Sharon Irene Ehlke, age 78 of New London, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 following a lengthy illness surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was born on May 16, 1943 in New London to the late Elroy and Grace (Mauermann) Stern. She was united in marriage to James Ehlke on September 30, 1961. Sharon and Jim owned and operated J&S Shoes in New London for 25 years. Her passion was art, especially painting and clay ceramics. She loved to travel on vacations with her husband and went on many trips around the world.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Steve (Karen) Ehlke and Lisa (Michael) Zaddack; grandchildren, Kayla (Jim) Thorpe, Dylan Ehlke and Lauren Zaddack; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Easton and siblings, Gary (Arne) Stern, Alan (Merry) Stern and Joan (Bob) Farrell. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents.

The memorial service for Sharon will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Pastor Marcus Schulz officiating. The visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again on Thursday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is service the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com