Sharon “Shari” Rietschel
Sharon (Shari) (nee Kuerschner) Rietschel passed away August 1, 2023. Beloved wife of William Rietschel. Loving mother of Michelle (David) Thomas, Lisa (Aaron) Folkening, and Kimberly (Michael) Folkening. Dear sister of Dorothy Hendricksen, Joan (Hank) Rullman, Sue (Tim) Girard, and Doug, who preceded her in death. Fond sister-in-law of Paula and Jim Krikau. Proud grandmother of Kelly and Luke Thomas, Abigail, Natalie, and John Folkening, Zachary and Alita Folkening.
Sharon was born November 16, 1942, in Watertown, Wisconsin to parents Lydia (nee Ebert) and Walter Kuerschner. Being a preemie, Shari, received the waters of Holy Baptism and became a child of God on that day. She confirmed her faith through Confirmation at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, WI on March 25, 1956.
Shari attended St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School and Watertown High School. She received an associate degree from Concordia St. Paul, MN, followed by a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Concordia, River Forest, IL. Shari started her teaching career interning at Trinity Lutheran School, Delray Beach, FL. After graduation she taught at Redeemer, Bayside, New York, followed by Concordia River Forest’s Early Childhood Lab School, and lastly teaching Jr. and Sr. Kindergarten at Garfield School, Forest Park, IL, until her retirement in 2002. In retirement, she supervised student teachers for Concordia River Forest until the love of “grandmahood” took precedence.
In her spare time and younger days, Shari enjoyed sewing for her daughters and later sewing doll clothes for her granddaughters. She was often found in the backyard tending to her flowers, attending her grandchildren’s events, or in water aerobics class with her Life Time Fitness friends. A variety of music was part of her daily life by playing piano at home accompanied by her young daughters and their instruments, singing in choir, and attending her grandchildren’s band and orchestra concerts. Shari lived life to the fullest by finding joy in the beauty of daily life. Shari was married to her beloved Bill for 57 years. She will be missed dearly.
A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, August 12th at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave., LaGrange, IL 60525. A light reception starts at 10am followed by the service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to mds-foundation.org. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James, Countryside.
Grateful for our years of friendship and for your kindness in taking me to PT when I needed a ride. Miss your smiles at St John’s and glad to see you in water aerobics when I was there. We will meet again!
As much of a family person as Shari was, she still had room for her friends. She saw what you needed before you even knew it, and had a generous heart big enough to go around. Every friend felt like her best friend, and all of us knew she would do anything for you, but her beautiful family always came first. We will all miss her and ask the Lord’s blessings for her and her family.
We in the “Garfield Family” were blessed with decades of inspiring collaboration and friendship. During the school year we often spent more time with one another than with our family at home. For me that “heart connection” continues. I’m so encouraged to know that one day we’ll all be together forever.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3-16
For many years your family was such a large part of ours; your warm welcome when we moved to River Forest, afternoons at Rehm pool in the summer, and many dinners together and babysitting all the girls (and Debbie!) when our parents went out. Your mom always had a warm smile on her face and the room would light up with her laughter. She was truly a faithful servant of Jesus and is certainly whole and healed in His presence now. You are all in our thoughts and prayers; she is remembered fondly and our hearts go out to all of you.
Mrs. Reitschel was the most wonderful kindergarten teacher to my daughters, Olivia and Emily Mott. We have so many fond memories of her kindness and gentleness. We wish the Reitschel family much comfort from all of their fond memories. God Bless, Therese Fitzpatrick, Olivia and Emily Mott
Shari was a sweet and kind friend who I was fortunate to meet at the LifeTime aqua class. She loved her family deeply but still made time to offer her support to her many friends. She was always ready to meet for a coffee or lunch just to chat.
I will especially miss her smile and our shared love of Abba music!
May she rest in peace.