Sharon J. Koenigsfeld

Sharon J. Koenigsfeld passed away gently at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, on September 20, 2026, extinguishing the beacon of light that was shining in her family's lives. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Mason City, with Pastor Jon Montgomery officiating. Visitation will be held the night prior, Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Major Erickson Funeral Home.

Sharon was born on June 2, 1942 in Tacoma, Washington, the oldest daughter of Vida and Leo, and grew up alongside her sister, Linda, and two brothers, Richard and David. Most of her childhood was spent at her grandma and grandpa's house on Trout Lake in Washington. Her days found her surrounded by her parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Her cousin Punky and Aunt Sharon were her lifelong friends. Sharon lived her life fully by loving unconditionally, laughing and smiling often, and seeking out the next fun adventure. Growing up in the shadow of Mount Rainier provided a beacon of joy and hope for Sharon's whole life, and she enjoyed visiting it whenever she could.

Sharon attended Bethel College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she met her best and lifelong friend, Kathy. She spent summers working on the Gunflint Trail in Northern Minnesota, and that area became one of her happy places. Her heart always stayed in northern Minnesota, and it fed her soul when she was able to spend time there with family and read books from Minnesota authors.

As a single parent, Sharon raised two strong, independent daughters, Jenny and Kim and was an incredible mentor and role model for them. Her love of service to others, movies, reading, travel, playfulness, the environment, and animals were shared with and passed down to her daughters. Moving to Iowa from California in 1970 opened the door to a life-long community that supported Sharon and her girls in good and challenging times. They had many adventures together which included taking road trips, camping, playing games, and other fun activities at home. These adventures continued into Kim and Jenny's adulthood, and with their families. The courage and strength Sharon showed as she persevered through multiple sclerosis rarely slowed her down from the things she loved to do and the adventures that brought her joy.

Sharon found her one true life partner, Peter Koenigsfeld, and was united in marriage on January 3, 1987 at a private family ceremony at their house on the river. Their marriage brought together their grown children, Val and Tony, forming a new family. Sharon and Peter's partnership was built on their love of family, the river, and of nature. At their home nestled on the banks of the Winnebago River, it provided the backdrop for their happiest of memories. Sharon enjoyed sitting with Pete on the porch swing watching the river, tending her gardens, photographing wildlife, celebrating Christmases, entertaining family and friends on the Fourth of July, summer days playing in the pool, or paddling the river. Her love of family knew no bounds. Sharing experiences, adventures, and crafts with grandchildren and great grandchildren filled her heart and made her incredibly happy.

With a commitment to social work, she spent her career and life advocating for children and vulnerable adults, working for the Department of Health and Human Services at the county and state level. Through this work, Sharon was instrumental in creating the training and best practices for foster and adoptive parent training. Sharon earned her Master's Degree in Public Administration at Iowa State University, taking one class at a time, while working full time and raising her two daughters. After working for DHHS, Sharon worked as lead on the Child Welfare Project, continuing her work with foster and adoptive families.

Faith was an anchor for Sharon, and she passionately loved Jesus and people, serving in many ways. Sharon's faith endured through life's hardships as she put her trust in God, finding strength as she worshipped and attended Bible studies. You could often find her teaching third grade Sunday school or helping with United Methodist women projects. She believed in angels, always looking for them in her daily life.

She also made lifelong memories with her daughters and granddaughter by serving as their Girl Scout leaders and doing activities at Girl Scout Camp Tanglefoot, including the high ropes course. Sharon gave freely of herself and her time as she volunteered at Mercy Hospital, served on multiple boards, and helped others often in numerous capacities.

Sharon's love of northern Minnesota was shared with her family. Going "Up North" was her cherished time. She and Pete enjoyed vacations with their extended family in the summers, with each generation learning to love Grand Marais and Lake Superior like she did. Sharon and Pete even drove the entire way around Lake Superior, exploring the shoreline as they journeyed through Canada and the US.

Sharon loved to travel. Whether it was a day trip, vacations up north or to the East Coast, backpacking through Europe, or ziplining in the Costa Rica rainforest, she loved finding new places and having new adventures. Whether it was a drive in the country with Pete or a road trip to a new place near or far, she was always up for some exploring. Sometimes she would travel through movies as she enjoyed going to the theater with family and watching movies at home. The ones she enjoyed the most were the movies that stretched her imagination to far off places.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Peter Koenigsfeld, her daughters Kim Mathison (Sue Powers), Jenny Seylar, Valerie Koenigsfeld (Jim Duffy), and Tony Koenigsfeld (Beth Rasmussen); four grandchildren: Andy Seylar (Stephanie), Callie Deblon (Riley), Ethan Seylar (Callie), and Jarod Koenigsfeld; five great grandchildren, her brother Richard Bonfoey (Donna), nieces and nephews, and three sisters-in-law. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother, son-in-law, cousins, and other special people.

Upon reflection about the life of Sharon, her warm smile and deep love for others are a beacon of light to all. She made sure those around her felt valued and seen. Her faithfulness and imagination enriched the lives of her family and friends. Sharon will be profoundly missed, though her spirit lives on in the family and friends left behind.

In lieu of flowers, and because Sharon believed in organ donation, memorials may be directed to the Iowa Donor Network. Sharon would encourage us all to have the giving spirit of organ donation, as well.