Sharon Rowder, age 82, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Sharon was born on August 22, 1942 in Holland, Michigan to Gradus Geurink and Hazel (Bonselaar) Geurink where she grew up with 4 siblings and graduated from Holland Christian High School.
Sharon moved to Libertyville, Illinois in 1975 where she raised her two children. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville and began a very successful career in real estate. In her free time, she enjoyed tennis, Sunday football and time in her yard. She loved to be outdoors and had a fond love of home décor too. Everything was neat and tidy inside and out! She loved to share stories and have a good laugh. Upon retirement from Baird & Warner, Sharon moved back to Holland to enjoy the town where she grew up. And even from Michigan, remained a loyal Bears fan through and through.
Sharon was preceded in death by her brother Kenny Geurink and wife Mary Geurink, along with her mother and father Gradus and Hazel Geurink.
She is survived by her brothers Vern and Terry Geurink and sister Linda (Ludema) Geurink, her son Ryan Rowder and his wife Laurie Rowder and daughter, Kari Sisson (Rowder) and her husband, Tim Sisson. Nicknamed ShaSha, she was a proud grandmother to 3 grandchildren (Mary Wilson, Dylan Rowder and Jeremy Rowder whom she treasured dearly. She was supportive, caring, helpful and never short on hugs.
She was well known in her community through her work in real estate and created many lasting friendships and memories. A beautiful soul whose life was a blessing to so many.
Sharon will always be remembered as a loving mother who was selfless and determined to ensure her children had everything available to them to succeed. She was someone who always wanted to serve and make sure everyone around her was taken care of first. Her devotion to family; brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins was unwavering. A heartfelt thanks to all those that aided her in the final years of her life.
A celebration of life open house will be on Saturday, August 9th at First Draft in Grayslake, IL. from 12pm-3pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you come to the celebration wearing blue or your favorite Chicago Bears attire. Stay a while for food and fellowship and share your love with those around you.
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