Sharon Rickert

Sharon Lee Rickert, age 78, was called home to join her family in heaven on March 30, 2024. She was born on December 2, 1945, in Reinbeck, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Dorabel Rickert. She was the youngest of 5 girls and 1 boy. The family moved to Minnesota in the late 40s to farm in the Potsdam area.

Sharon married Art Kachelski in 1962 and to this union 1 child was born, Jay. They later divorced.

Sharon was employed as a Department Supervisor at Ability Building Center, a workplace providing services to individuals with disabilities in Rochester for over 20 years retiring in 2007.

Sharon nurtured many special friendships through the years and enjoyed spending time with them as well as her family. She was known for her generosity as well as her wicked sense of humor.

Sharon was noted for her unselfish love of animals and was instrumental in the founding of Paws & Claws alongside Henry and Marg Morning. She was also a founding member of the Rochester Kennel Club and bred and showed some of the finest Shetland sheepdogs in the country in the 70s. Her entire life Sharon took in stray and orphan cats and dogs. She earned the nickname "Crazy Dog Lady of the Hill."

She leaves behind to cherish her memory a son Jay (MaryAnn) Kachelski, a granddaughter Cree (Tim) Jaykel, and her 2 great-grandboys Liam & Lucas who were her pride and joy.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her 5 half-siblings Delores Hall, Donnajo Irvin, Carl Rickert, Lois Roberton, and Faye Paulsen.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rickert family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com