Sharon Louise Kivioja

Sharon Louise Kivioja, age 77, of Coon Rapids, passed away on September 1, 2026. Sharon was born in Litchfield, Minnesota, on July 15, 1949, and grew up on a farm near Forest City, Minnesota. She attended country school near Forest City through the sixth grade and graduated from Litchfield High School. Sharon then attended Willmar Vocational Technical School (now Ridgewater College), where she graduated from the secretarial program. She later earned an associate degree in accounting. Sharon met Terry Kivioja at a school dance in Willmar in 1968. In January 1969, the two became engaged. They were married on August 8, 1970, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota, following Terry's return from Vietnam. For the past 35 years, Sharon and Terry made their home in Coon Rapids and were members of Faith Lutheran Church. Sharon loved gardening, canning and spending hours quilting. Over the years, she made quilts for her children and grandchildren to celebrate graduations and other special occasions. She especially enjoyed attending quilt camp and had just returned from Camp Lebanon four days before her passing. Sharon also enjoyed traveling and took numerous cross-country bus trips over the years. One of her favorites was a trip she shared with her sisters, Susan and Becky, to New England. Sharon's greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She treasured watching Ashley and Olivia play softball and tennis; teaching Mikayla how to bake; gardening and enjoying the lake; and, whenever possible, spending time with Reagan and Cole. Her family was the center of her life, and she will be remembered for the love, care, and memories she shared with each of them. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Boynton and Alice "Marion" Peters; her grandparents; her father-in-law, Arne Kivioja; and her brother-in-law, Don Christofferson. Sharon will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 56 years, Terry Kivioja; children, Tracy (Jennifer), Eric, and Jessica (Kyle) Atwood; grandchildren, Ashley, Olivia, Mikayla, Reagan, and Cole; siblings, Bill (Nancy) Peters, Steve (Vicki) Peters, Sue Christofferson, and Becky (Jeff) Thompson; mother-in-law, Evelyn Kivioja; and many other loving family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 11115 Hanson Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the family or to The Harbor Food Shelf at Faith Lutheran Church.

Sharon Louise Kivioja

July 15, 1949 - September 1, 2026

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