Vicki Marie Sharp (1952-2021)

SHARP, SCHUBERGER, LARSON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/30/2021 at 20:05:24

Vicki Marie (Larson) Sharp, 69, of Preston, Iowa, passed away April 26, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, in the embrace of her loving family.

Vicki was born February 3, 1952, to Charles William and Edna Mae (Schuberger) Larson in Pittsburg, Kansas. She graduated from Southeast High School in Cherokee, Kansas in 1970. Vicki attended Kansas State College in Pittsburg, where she was classically trained in vocal studies under the tutelage of Miss Margaret Theuneman. It was there that she met a half crazed, motorcycle riding, music student, who barged into her music practice room after seeing the green-eyed, red-haired beauty, and demanded she leave the practice room that wasn’t his to begin with. Following the outburst, he offered to take her out to coffee, failing to tell her it would be on the back of a motorcycle. She vowed to never see him again after her long red hair became so knotted that it took two hours to brush out. They have been together since March 13, 1971 and were married on January 22, 1972.

Vicki spent her life following that man around the country as he pursued his dream to become an airline captain. She worked as a childcare provider, as well as many years at Farm & Fleet and Theisen’s, where she enjoyed working in Toys and Garden Center. Vicki will be remembered for her beautiful, coloratura, soprano voice, her immense and unwavering love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, and her strength and courage as she fought breast cancer and then oral cancer 3 times over the last 24 years.

Vicki is survived by her husband and soulmate of 49 years, 3 months and 4 days, Sam; daughters, Julie (Jim) Gronewold of Calamus, and Beth (Tom) Petkunas of Davenport; grandchildren, Michael (Sara) Gronewold, Victoria (Carl) Swarts, Nathan (Kaci) Cunningham, Matt Gronewold, Allison Cunningham, Noah Gronewold, and Josh Gronewold; step-grandchildren, Sam, Lexi, and Tony Petkunas; great-grandchildren, Naomi, Carsyn, Davina, Hadley, Wade, and Jameson; bonus children, Jen LaBrecque and Terry Cunningham; sisters-in-law, Keren Larson, and Derrillyn Harbeston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Shirley Grant, her brother, Larry Larson, brother-in-law, Barney Sharp, a niece, Kelly Mirosh, and soul-sister, Rose Clark.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Vicki’s name can be made to St. Jude, The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, or any cancer research of the giver’s choice.

In lieu of cut flowers, please plant something beautiful in Vicki’s memory.

The family would like to thank Preston EMS, Jackson County Regional Health Center, UIHC, as well as Holly Dwyer, for their support and care.