Visitation: Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service. 

Service: Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Canton Lutheran Church, Canton, SD. 

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Sharon Lundberg Lunder was born on October 17, 1945 in the Geddes, SD Hospital to Emil Carl Lundberg and Bernice Lillian Hockey.  Born into a poor family during the depression when times were difficult, she was a healthy 7 lbs., 2 oz. and the youngest of 5 children. Her parents were her greatest supporters and loved her unconditionally. She will always be grateful for all that her parents did for her even in difficult circumstances. Her big sister, Edith, was through high school before Sharon was born. Sharon was always a bright student and loved learning, a real history buff, and an avid reader. Sharon graduated from high school in 1963 as valedictorian. After high school, she went Dakota Wesleyan University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. Sharon went to a nursing program at St. Anthony’s Nursing School in Rockford, IL. There she graduated at the top of her class of 49 students while working full-time in a deli as well as being a mom of three small children. Sharon’s dream job of more than 35 years, in which she found her calling, was a RN Hospice Nurse. She always felt that we were never closer to Heaven than at the bedside of one entering Heaven until we are there ourselves.

Sharon was a devoted Christian and very seldom missed an opportunity for service. She was on the church council and attended bible studies. She also was an usher with her husband for many years at Canton Lutheran as well as a communion assistant.

She met the love of her life, Richard, in the most unique way. While he was serving in Viet Nam from 1966-1968, his parents put his name in the Mitchell paper because he needed mail from home. It was in November 1967 that Sharon found the announcement and sent a letter to Richard because they were both from South Dakota and had similar last names: Lundberg (Sharon) and Lunder (Richard). They communicated for a short time and then stopped writing. After he returned in May of 1968, he found the letter Sharon had written, found her address, and sent a letter asking if she would like to meet. She responded with affirmatively and they began dating. On Christmas Eve, they were engaged. Richard called home to tell his parents of the news. It was that afternoon that Richard’s twin brother, Dennis, called home to announce his engagement to Bonnie Lommen. Richard was not aware that Dennis was even dating anyone and was excited to hear the news. On the weekend of August 9, 1969, they were both married and went on honeymoons together. This began our love affair of over 54 years.

This family was blessed with three daughters, Kristi – 10/28/1971, Kimberly- 7/14/77, and Kari – 6/22/1979. Family get-togethers were a big part of the family’s connections. Every June after school was out, the 3 daughters and their families would go on week vacation throughout the United States.  Then in July, the family would all get together for a week at lake home on West Lake Okoboji. Finally, this last December, the family went to the Big Island of Hawaii to celebrate grandson, Arne’s, Make-a-Wish destination to see the volcanoes, beautiful beaches, sea turtles, and snorkel.

Traveling was very important to Richard and Sharon. Some of their favorite trips were their mission trips to Nicaragua, a Holy Land tour with Spirit of Joy Church, and going to Norway 4 times to visit Richard’s family farm. Also, they went to Alaska where they saw lots of wildlife in Denali National Park. They also made multiple trips to Europe on guided tours as well as many cruises.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Bernice Lundberg; brother, Carl; and sister, Phillis Allen. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard, daughters: Kristi (Jeff) Paulsen and their children Annika and Aidan; Kimberly Lunder and her son, Eian; and Kari (David) Stone and their children Molly, Arne, Samuel, Fredrik, and Anastasia; and sisters, Edith Schipper and Joyce (Bill) Langer. Sharon was a woman of faith and believed that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Canton Lutheran Church in Canton, SD. Family will greet visitors on hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dougherty Hospice House, Avera Prairie Center, or Canton Lutheran Church.