Sharon Ann (Seal) Delling Ontario, WI - Sharon Ann Delling, 78, of rural Ontario, WI, passed away after her courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, at Milestone Senior Living, Hillsboro, WI, on September 10, 2025, with her adoring family and friends by her side. She was born on February 17, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, to Robert and Eva (Vanderhoff) Seal.
While pursuing her nursing degree at St. Francis School of Nursing, in Wichita, Kansas, her heart was charmed by the handsome nephew of her neighbors. One year later, on June 21, 1968, Sharon married Douglas Delling. Their love and commitment to each other took her to San Francisco, Hong Kong and Guam while Doug was in the Navy. After service employment, changes took them back to Kansas, then to Janesville, WI, and finally to a farm outside Ontario, WI in 1993. Sharon was a loving, spirited and courageous partner throughout their 57 years of marriage.
It was during Sharon's nursing career in Hutchinson, Kansas, that her work touched their lives most profoundly-through the relationships she built in nursing, doors opened that ultimately led to the greatest blessing of all: the adoption of their beloved daughter, Amanda, who they lovingly nicknamed "Mandy." Mandy was Sharon's 'mini-me,' right down to her infectious laugh. Sharon's family was the center of her world, and she was the glue that held them all together, even on the days when Parkinson's tried to get the best of her.
Never one to sit still, Sharon turned her "I'll never be a farmer's wife" mantra into being Doug's full-time partner in raising grass-fed beef and tending a flock of 1400 laying hens. All the while she nurtured her many gardens that were a sight to behold. Her zinnias, her prized plants, were more than just flowers; they were a symbol of Sharon's ability to make anything bloom.
Sharon's home radiated warmth, filled with the comforting aromas of her cooking and the gentle presence of her beloved pets. For ten years, Sharon faced Parkinson's with remarkable strength, determined to hold onto her independence. She fought with courage and grace until the illness could no longer be held back.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Douglas; daughter, Mandy (Gary) Kuter; grandson, Grayson Kuter; sister, Suzan "Suzie" (Ken) Budensiek; nieces, Amy (David) Latka and their children, and Sarah (Sean) Bergman; her faithful companion, her dog "Socks;" along with many loving friends.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eva; along with many beloved pets, too many to name.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life honoring Sharon on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Torkelson Funeral Home, 720 Wisconsin Street, Cashton, WI. Guests are welcome to come and go at any time between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., to share memories, offer support, and celebrate Sharon's life together.
There will also be a Memorial Service on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Argonia Friends Church, 202 N Pine St, Argonia, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. There will be a time for sharing memories of Sharon along with a light lunch being served in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Because of Saron's love for all animals, memorials may be made to a local animal shelter of your choice, in her name.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at
www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Published by The Gazette from Sep. 25 to Sep. 26, 2025.