Sharon R. Knopf

Sharon R. Knopf, 85, of Plover, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Sharon was born on January 13, 1941, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Clifford “Click” and Alice Gullickson. She spent her early years growing up in Freeman, South Dakota, alongside her older sister, Carol where their family ran a gas station and convenience store, which became a familiar part of Sharon’s childhood.

Beyond the prairies of South Dakota, Sharon’s curiosity and love of learning took her far from home. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before leaving her home state to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Colorado - Boulder. It was there, while serving as a teaching assistant in a biology class, that she met her life partner, Garry Knopf. The two were married on August 26, 1964.

Together, Sharon and Garry relocated to Plover, Wisconsin, where they put down roots and built a life together. Sharon devoted her career to education, first teaching at a middle school in Stevens Point and later joining the Biology Department at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She ultimately became an academic advisor, where her patience, compassion, and genuine interest in others allowed her to make a lasting impact on the students she supported.

Above all, Sharon was devoted to her family. In 1968, Sharon and Garry welcomed their only son, Travis. Sharon cherished her role as a mother. Before beginning her work at UW–Stevens Point, Sharon poured her time and energy into raising Travis, volunteering in his classroom and being present for the many moments that mattered. Her family remained at the center of her life throughout the years that followed.

Some of Sharon’s fondest memories were made in the places she loved most with the people she loved most. She cherished drives through the Black Hills and prairies of South Dakota, exploring the diverse landscapes of Colorado, whale watching along the beaches of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, and spending time with family looking for wildlife in Tucson, Arizona.

Back home, Sharon found joy in the simple things. She loved sitting outside in her hammock soaking up the sunshine, indulging herself with a book and glass of Chardonnay, enjoying the beauty of her yard and watching the squirrels and birds that visited. She enjoyed puzzles, texting and chatting with family, and spending quiet afternoons curled up in her chair with a cat on her lap. Most of all, she loved being surrounded by the people she cared about.

Throughout all of Sharon and Garry’s adventures and the simplicities of daily life, they remained devoted to one another. They were each other’s home—a sentiment Sharon carried with her on a bracelet bearing the word “home,” a reminder that home is where the people we love are. After a lifetime spent together, Sharon is now home with Garry once again.

Sharon will be remembered for her kindness, open-mindedness, selflessness, compassion, and curiosity. She was someone who was always interested in learning, listening, and understanding the world around her. She had a gentle way of making others feel seen and cared for, and her love for her family was evident in all that she did.

Sharon is survived by her son, Travis (Michelle) Knopf; her granddaughter, Madisen (Alexandro) Nuñez; and her sister, Carol Twedt.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Garry Knopf, and her loving parents, Clifford “Click” and Alice Gullickson.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Riverview Lodge for the care, kindness, and compassion they showed Sharon.

A private memorial service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at a later date with close family and loved ones. The family appreciates the love, support, and kindness extended to Sharon and her family during this time.