Sharon Leeann Brown

Sharon Leeann Brown (née Bakke), Age 80 of St. Louis Park, MN passed away peacefully May 18, 2025. She joined her mother and father, Lydia (née Hoaas) and Helge Bakke, sister Lois (Ray), and brother Leslie into resurrected heavenly life, and was welcomed by her in-laws, Leland and Alice Brown (née Perry), brothers-in-law, Keith Brown, Richard Paulson and Ray Martin (Mary Lou). Survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Kermit, children Tamara (Brandt), Maria (Scott), and Cameron (Melissa), along with 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Sharon was born in 1945 in Montevideo, MN, and grew up in Milan, MN. She was baptized, confirmed and was married in Kviteseid Lutheran Church of Milan. After high school, Sharon left her home for the 3-year Nursing Program at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN, to pursue a career as a registered nurse. Never one to do things slowly, Sharon married the love of her life, Kermit, on August 13, 1966, mere days after graduating nursing school! Within 6 weeks, the young couple moved out to California where they experienced the Summer of Love 1967, while juggling family and careers, and witnessing the height of hippie culture from a safe enough distance!

Within 7 years, Sharon and Kermit welcomed 3 children, moving from California to Minneapolis, and finally settling in St. Louis Park, MN in 1974. Over the decades to follow, Sharon continued with her nursing career, specializing in geriatrics. She had a gift of comfort and empathy with her residents. She also connected with kids in a special way, and was active with leading Girl Scouts and supporting Civil Air Patrol activities. For a few years, she also drove the afternoon school bus for Timothy Lutheran School, extending her gifts of touching kids’ lives – especially with those who sometimes just needed someone to listen.

She became a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother– her family and chosen family meant the world to her! She loved her nieces and nephews and had an especially close relationship with niece, Susan, with whom she shared a birthdate.

A Celebration of Life for Sharon will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 at Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home in New Hope, MN. Visitation starts at 1PM, with the service to follow at 2PM.

We would especially like to thank the staff at Chapel View Health Center of Hopkins, MN, for their caring and comfort for Sharon and her family.

There will be a private interment with the family at a later date.