Service Details
Services celebrating Sharlene’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 12 noon with Pastor Art Rader officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Miller's Flowers
Racine – Sharlene Kaye Birkenstock, age 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded with the love of family, early Sunday, February 2, 2025 at St. Monica’s Senior Living.
Sharlene, a devout Christian was born in Sperry, Iowa on May 2, 1941 to the late Neal and Birdie (nee: Nichols) Wolfe. She grew up on the family farm where she developed her tireless lifelong work ethic. A true farmgirl, Sharlene loved riding her horses and being involved in the local 4H Club. She also competed in the Iowa girls half-court basketball at her Alma-mater Sperry High School. Sharlene later attended Gateway Technical College in Racine, WI.
When Sharlene came to Racine, WI in the early 1970’s, she worked at O&H Bakery and Greene Glass before serving as a secretary for Twin Disc, Baxter Medical and Ruud Lighting, from where she retired.
Sharlene had many extraordinary interests in her lifetime. One being her passion for motorcycles. She enjoyed being an avid rider until the age of 75. She also enjoyed golfing and shooting her gun. For the past 4 years, Sharlene lived at St. Monica’s where she enjoyed tending to the flower garden and loving on the residents and staff.
Sharlene is survived by her children, Steve Birkenstock, Nancy Birkenstock and Mike (Jana) Birkenstock; Grandchildren: Stephanie (Dave) George, Ross (Jazzla) Birkenstock and Hannah (Phillip) Lascano; Great-Grandchildren: Tayten, Tanner and Ty George; Bo Birkenstock and Lincoln Lascano.
In addition to her parents, Sharlene was preceded in death by her brothers, Wilford and Randall Wolfe.
Services celebrating Sharlene’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 12 noon with Pastor Art Rader officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon.
Barb Tylenda says
How sad I am to hear of Sharlene’s passing. I met Sharlene when she volunteered at Health Care Network, Inc. She was a great help with office tasks. I loved her independent and adventurous spirit. We always knew when she was arriving as we heard her motorcycle. She was definitely young at heart and fun to be around. I am so sorry for your loss.
Irene Clover Kinney says
Sorry for your loss of Sharlene! Sharlene, Jane, Judy & I were great pal’s all through school in Sperry, IA.!
We also stayed great friends a lot of years later. Love,
Irene (Clover) Kinney
Judy Grondin says
Sharlene has been a friend since we started first grade together at Sperry School and all through our school years. Once we raised our families and retired, we along with two other classmates took many wonderful trips together.
Even though we lived in Iowa, Illinois, California and Wisconsin we met each summer for 18 years. We went to great places – we laughed, shed tears, talked about our families, reminisced about our school years and drank wine….
Sharlene was a true blessing in my life – I miss her so. My condolences to Nancy, Steve and Mike
Anonymous says
Prayers for the family
Dori Rossmann says
Sharlene lived across the hall from my mother and a short distance down another hallway from my mother in law. What a beautiful woman in so many ways. She had a beautiful smile and was always so kind and friendly to everyone! Sharlene, you will be deeply missed by everyone but you are now at peace with God!
Amber Settersten says
What a gal ! All the things you did in your life you gave me inspiration… I might try the motorcycle thing again .
I remember when you got the red scooter… thought we’d never see you again but I know at the end of the road there will be a Dairy Queen & a ice cream cone with your name on it !
Bless You my friend
James Gonia says
So sorry for your loss. I have memories of my mom and yours walking the neighborhood, I know my mom will miss Sharlene dearly, her friend of over 50 years!
Anonymous says
Prayers for the family!
Mike Howell says
Prayers for the family
Chris & Ken McElhinney says
She will really be missed.
Laura Lee Dominguese says
I only knew Sharlene for a short time from visiting at St. Monica’s. Seeing her brightened my day. I’m so glad I got to meet her. My thoughts are with the family.
Anonymous says
Sharlene was a lovely and fun woman. I met her at church. Loved her spirit. Chuckled and admired her especially when she drove up in her motorcycle.
Sorry for your loss.
Jill Castillo says
Lovely and fun woman. Loved the lord. She was a treat to be around.
Ben Krijger & Gayathri Chelvakumar says
Nancy, I just want to extend our sympathies to you and your family. Your mother (Sharlene) was always so kind to both me and my wife. Sharlene had a great sense of humor and often found joy in the little things in life. Know that she was loved by many.
With love,
Ben & Gayathri
Joe Canntu says
Sincerest condolences Nancy, Steve. And the rest of the family. You are in our prayers.
Steve Kubiak says
I was fortunate to work a few years directly with Sharlene at Ruud Lighting before she retired. What a wonderful woman. Always had a smile but could also be a firecracker when necessary! Was able to get her on the golf course and ran into her a few times after she retired when she was doing the Silver Sneakers over at Razor Sharp Fitness. She will be missed!
David Hillgartner says
Steve, Nancy and Mike;
Your mom was a very kind woman, always had a smile on her face.
Sorry to hear this, loved coming to Racine in the summer.
David Hillgartner