Sharon Ann Readinger

Sharon Ann Readinger passed away on December 12, 2021 at The Cedars, Austin, MN due to Frontotemporal Dementia. She was 82. Sharon was born on September 20, 1939 to Evelyn (Jensen) and Max Readinger in Des Moines, Iowa.

She spent her childhood in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School. During high school, she studied piano at Drake University under the tutelage of the famous pianist Roger Williams. Her first employment was with Bankers Life in Des Moines, eventually transferring to their office in Wisconsin. She soon enrolled in evening courses offered by the University of Wisconsin, and later as a full student. She graduated, and earned her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy.

Sharon then joined the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant, and retired after 22 years as a Lieutenant Colonel. Over her career, she was stationed at bases in Biloxi, MS, Wright Patterson, OH, Ft. Worth, TX and then and San Antonio, Lachland for 4 yrs. Then she was stationed in Weisbaden, Germany and Lakenheath AFB in England for 4 years each. She returned to San Antonio and then was employed the San Antonio school system as an occupational therapist for another 13 years.

Small stature, she took great pleasure in keeping herself in top physical condition allowing her to enjoy nature and the outdoors. This allowed her to hike and Volksmarch at her military assignments and vacations. She traveled throughout central Europe, Russia, China, and Japan.

Sharon had a deep appreciation for the Arts. She enjoyed visiting art museums, listening to opera and classical music, and attending symphony concerts. She was an avid reader and novels were her favorite. Over her lifetime, Siamese cats were important to her and she enjoyed their companionship.

Sharon was fiercely independent, but to her nieces and nephew, she was very generous and loving.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Evelyn and Max Readinger. Survivors are her brother, Dave Readinger and his wife, Mary Ellis, Forest City; her sister, Judy DeBord, Waukee; plus four nieces and one nephew.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Sharon’s name.