Sharon Jean Burtzlaff, 74, of Tucson, Ariz. passed away after a brave but short battle with cancer on March 12, 2016. Born March 28, 1941, in Platteville, she was a loving wife to Harry Burtzlaff for 48 years, and mother to Regan Simpson. She is survived by Harry, her daughter Regan (Craig) Simpson, sisters Sally (Stan) Torstenson, Susan (Les) Torstenson, Sandy (John) Seiz, Nancy (James) Schleicher, brother Jerome (Donna) Shepherd, and sister-in-law, Kay Shepherd. She was preceded in death by her brother Joe Shepherd, father Kenneth Shepherd and mother Olivene Shepherd.
Sharon grew up on a working farm where her whole family pitched in and all learned the value of hard work. That translated well to her decades of working in finance and banking where she rose to the post of vice-president in the 1980’s and was liked and respected by all who worked with her through the end of her career in 2007.
She was a kind, quiet person who was always willing to help even if it took her away from quietly enjoying her own time. She always lent an ear, a shoulder to lean on or to cry on and was more likely to be a good listener when needed than to offer unsolicited advice. Being with her friends and family was her favorite pastime and all will miss her dearly.
A celebration of life will be held in August in Wisconsin, exact date to be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in honor of her and anyone else you know who may have been stricken with the disease.