Sharon L. Thieding

McFARLAND - Sharon L. Thieding, a beautiful loving soul who embraced life, transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, surrounded by the love of her family. Sharon cherished gardening and her life blossomed in many ways. Along her path, she planted seeds of hope, wisdom, love, and knowledge. She tended the soil and nurtured all that surrounded her. Sharon's Light brought growth and her beauty was a precious gift to many. Sharon was a consummate learner and educator. She was an avid reader who earned her education degree and teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin -- Platteville. She taught at a rural Loganville schoolhouse, Prairie View School; in the Monona Grove School system; and at Martin Luther Christian Day School in Stoughton. Knowing the power of encouragement and hard work, Sharon applied her wisdom and compassion to mentoring students in the Madison Area Technical College Outreach program for over 15 years. Sharon danced her way into people's hearts, including her lifetime friend and husband, Ernie Thieding of McFarland. She was energized by polka music and cherished full moon rises over Devil's Lake. Always planning for the next event, the rhythm of her life created beautiful music, family traditions, and many memories. Sharon's presence brought beauty to this Earth, radiating love, and healing the hearts of many. Sharon was born to Gerhardt and Zita Meyer of Hillpoint in August 1940. Her family includes husband Ernie of McFarland; children, Darren (Nicolette) Thieding of Ohio, Dawn Thieding of California, Kristin (Daniel) Powell of Minnesota, and Kurt (Amy) Thieding of Waukesha; grandsons, Tyler, Keaton, Grant of Ohio; sisters, Julaine Meyer of Reedsburg and Bonnie (Brian) Hauke of Waunakee; and brothers, Gerald (Karen) Meyer of Illinois, Gary Meyer of Virginia, and Richard (Sandra) Meyer of Florida. Friends are found amongst her dancing circle, neighbors, church circle, co-workers, and students. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28,, 2011, at CRESS funeral home in McFarland.  On Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, a brief visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at McFarland Lutheran Church followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. A committal service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Westfield Township, Rock Springs at 4 p.m.   Memorials may be directed to the McFarland Lutheran Church, the McFarland Lutheran Church Prairie Garden, or the Thieding family for a Memorial Scholarship Fund that is being established in honor of Sharon's love of education.