Sharon A. Bengel

Sharon Bengel, age 68, passed at her Appleton home on Tuesday morning, February 14, 2017. Her husband and sons were at her side. Sharon was born in Fond du Lac on March 25, 1948, daughter of the late Ronald and Virginia (Steinmetz) Peters. She attended area schools, and on April 27, 1974, married Don Bengel.

In addition to her husband Don, Sharon is survived by two sons: Andy (Jen) Bengel of Alabama and Dan Bengel of Appleton; a daughter-in-law: Katherine (Andrew) Ratka of Neenah; nine treasured grandchildren: Emma, Evan, Anthony, Samantha, Evelyn, Sophie, Malaya, Greyson, and Jonah; a sister: Janet (Gary) Logan of West Bend; a brother: Keith (Diane) Peters of Fond du Lac; two brothers-in-law: Ben Bengel of Fond du Lac and Gene (Mary) Bengel of Oshkosh; and a sister-in-law: Diane Bengel of Fond du Lac. There are also many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, and by a son, Curt Bengel in 2010.

Her strong faith and love for the Lord showed us to love like Jesus loves. Sharon was inspiration to us. She taught us how to give and serve others generously while remaining frugal for herself. She was a dedicated wife and mother to her three boys. Sharon always made sure their hearts felt loved and their bellies were full of her baked goods and amazing home cooking. She was a mother figure to many, making friends with everyone she met, and everyone remembered her. Sharon's smile and laughter were contagious. She was the glue to the family, pouring love into everything she touched. Sharon had great joy watching her nine grandkids at their sporting events, ballet rehearsals, and school concerts. They were the love of her life. Sharon had so many talents and hobbies, the list was endless. She gifted many with her quilts, stamped goods, and perfectly hand-written cards that would make Hallmark jealous.

A memorial service for Sharon will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri County Chapel, 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha, with Deacon Gerry Schraufnagel of St. Mary Catholic Church officiating. Inurnment will take place at Neenah's Oak Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until the time of the service. For more information or to share a memory of Sharon, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

The outpouring of love, support, and prayers for our family have been truly humbling and appreciated.

We would like to thank FVHO, Dr. Swanson, ThedaCare, and Heartland Hospice for their amazing support. A memorial fund is being established in Sharon's memory.