Sharon Ann Pauk, age 89, of Carroll, Iowa, formerly of Laurens, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

She was born on May 31, 1937 to Jerry and Esther (Backstrom) Kendall in Mallard, Iowa.

Sharon's father worked for the elevator and they moved frequently in her childhood. They moved to Varina, Barnum, Clare, Garner, and finally Laurens, where she graduated from high school in 1955. After graduation she went to Rochester, MN to nursing school. She came back home after a year and worked in the nursing home in Laurens. In Laurens, she reconnected with high school classmate Bill Pauk and they were married in 1958.

Bill was drafted 4 months after they married; they were stationed in San Antonio, TX, where Lynn & LaRonna (Ronnie) were born. After the service, they lived in Cedar Rapids, IA for a short time, where Bob was born. They began farming outside of Laurens, Iowa, where Lisa and Mike were born. Later they moved to the Backstrom family farm in Curlew, IA.

Sharon enjoyed her card clubs, Just-a-Mere club, gardening and painting craft projects. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish Sharon's memory are her children, Lynn (Mike) Pinkston of Idaho Springs, CO, Ronnie (Warren) Bent of Glen Ellyn, IL, Bob (Theresa) Pauk of Carroll, IA, Lisa (Fred) Zeman of Rolfe, IA, and Mike Pauk of Grimes, IA, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren; also her sisters Sandra Lambert of Carterville, IL and Susan (Dennis) Paulsen of Watertown, SD.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Esther; her husband, William, and brother-in-law, Jim Lambert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sharon's name and directed to the charity of your choice.