Sharon Lee Herman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on July 15, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, music, laughter, and love.

Sharon was born on May 4, 1939, in Charles City, Iowa, to Ruth and Donald Dickhoff. She was born and raised in Charles City and attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School from the age of five, graduating from the school that had been such an important part of her childhood. 

Sharon was one of six siblings and, with her passing, became the last of her siblings to leave this world. 

Sharon was a woman who lived a full, colorful, and memorable life. From a young age, she worked for Vivian's Vanity in Charles City and also worked as a babysitter. Later in life, she moved to Arizona, where she worked at Mailer's Manufacturing a sewing factory in Prescott,AZ. She was especially proud of her work there and of serving as a union leader.

Music was one of the greatest loves of Sharon's life. She learned to sing at a very young age, and music remained a constant source of joy throughout her life. She was deeply musical and even performed in a band with her husband. She loved many different kinds of music, including reggae, and music was woven into so many of her memories and experiences. To Sharon, music wasn't simply something to listen to—it was a part of who she was.

Sharon also had a deep love for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life. She loved fishing, planting a garden and watching it grow, and enjoying good food—especially fried chicken, fried fish, and Mexican food. She had a genuine appreciation for Mexican culture and a free-spirited personality that made her happiest when she was surrounded by people, music, laughter, and a good time.

Those who knew Sharon knew her as a good-hearted and wonderful woman with a big personality and a tremendous love for life. She was compassionate, accepting, and believed there was something good to be found in everyone she met. She loved to have fun, and she wanted those around her to enjoy life as well. She opened her home on countless occasions to friends, family,  and strangers alike. At one point having a foster home for girls, who all called her mom.

Perhaps the greatest insight into Sharon's heart comes from the advice she left for her family. She believed they should treat one another with patience and, above all, love. She encouraged them to be slow to anger, to find something good in everyone they met, and to forgive—even when forgiveness was difficult. She believed in letting go of hurt rather than allowing it to consume one's life, enjoying one's youth, and treating people with care and concern because everyone has feelings. Most importantly, Sharon believed that family should remain close. Her wish for those she loved was simple: to stay close to one another and treat each other with love and compassion.

Sharon is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Reihman(Ron), and Debra Sanders(Phil), as well as 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Also, many more family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jeff(Hannah), her parents, her sister, Jeannine Bluhm, and her brothers, Danny, Chuck, Bill, and Dave.

Though she is no longer here to sing the songs, tend her garden, cast a fishing line, share a favorite meal, or enjoy another good time with the people she loved, Sharon's spirit will live on through the music she loved, the memories she created, the lessons she shared, and the family she loved.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sharon Herman, will be held on May 1, 2027, in Charles City, Iowa at the Library Venue. The time will be shared with family and loved ones closer to the date. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember Sharon, celebrate the life she lived, share stories and memories, and honor the love, laughter, music, and joy she brought into the lives of those who knew her. Her life was full of music, adventure, love, and a whole lot of living—and that is how she should be remembered.