Sharon Rose Nelson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, gracefully departed this world on January 29, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 12, 1953, Sharon greeted life with an open heart and a resilient spirit, inspiring those around her with her unwavering positivity and determination. She graced the world with her warmth and kindness for nearly seventy-three years.

Sharon's journey began in Red Lake Falls the daughter of Wilfred and Alma (Bruneau) Gagner, where she attended school and graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 1971. She further pursued her passion for beauty and care, earning a degree in Cosmetology from Northland Community College in Thief River Falls. Her commitment to her craft led her to become a prominent figure in the community as the owner and operator of Sharon's Salon in Plummer, MN. Beyond her salon, Sharon dedicated her time and energy to others, working at Hillcrest Nursing Home, caring for children in daycare, and later being a part of the DigiKey family in Thief River Falls.

On February 11, 1972, Sharon was united in marriage to the late John Marcus Nelson at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. Throughout their marriage, they were blessed with three children: Christine Nelson of Red Lake Falls, Michael (Shannon) Nelson of Thief River Falls, and Stephanie (Yusef) Bradshaw of Golden Valley, MN. The cherished joys of Sharon’s life were her seven grandchildren—Quianah (Jonah), Tamara, Samantha (Landon), Sawrena, Miah (fiancé Mason), Nathan, and Donovan—and her four great-grandchildren—Hadley, Jones, Creed, and Jayden. She treasured each moment she shared with them, nurturing them with the love and tenderness that shaped her entire life.

Sharon was known for her loving and caring nature. She cherished her grandchildren and embraced her role at the heart of the family, offering warmth and wisdom that touched everyone around her. Her passion for gardening and flowers filled her surroundings with vibrant colors and life, mirroring the warmth she brought to her family and friends. Throughout her many health challenges, Sharon displayed remarkable courage. Her determination to celebrate life, her dream of traveling, and her desire to be with family remained steadfast until the end, showcasing her resilience.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings: Ella Gagner, Mary Jackson, Kathy (Robert) Hochreiter, Lou Hagl, Steve Gagner, Willard (Nasreen) Gagner, Jim (Noreen) Gagner, Jerry (Jan) Gagner, Deb (Nick) Thompson, and many other relatives and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Sharon is reunited in spirit with her husband, John Marcus Nelson; her parents; sisters Jan Sherman and Shirley Slininger; brother-in-law Doug Hagl; and many other loved ones who preceded her in death.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM with the memorial service to be held on February 6, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, at 6:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate the beautiful life of Sharon Rose Nelson, honoring her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the stories we share and the love we continue to carry in our hearts.