Sharon K. VanKerrebroeck died peacefully with her husband by her side on February 28, 2025, after a brief illness with sinus cancer.
Sharon was born September 19, 1942, at Kewanee Public Hospital to Clyde W. Salzmann and Josephine L. (Whipkey) Salzmann. She graduated from Annawan High School in 1960 and Graham Hospital School of Nursing, Canton, Illinois in 1965. Sharon received her BSN from the University of Illinois on June 10, 1990.
She worked as a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Moline, a physician's office, and Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo on the Medical-Surgical Unit, the Coronary Care Unit, and later as the Education Manager. She retired from Hammond-Henry Hospital in 1999.
Sharon married her best friend, Richard L. VanKerrebroeck in Sheffield, Illinois on May 30, 1965. They have two children, Shalee (Dean) Johnson and Drew (Amy) VanKerrebroeck and four grandchildren: Trace (Grace) and Ty Johnson, and Aubrey and Callie VanKerrebroeck.
She enjoyed her family, friends, traveling, flower gardening, and photography. She enjoyed visiting Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and New Zealand, where she visited her pen-pal of 70 years. In addition to visiting all 50 states, she most recently enjoyed a trip to Europe with her daughter and her family. She looked forward to hosting her annual holiday party for her golfing and nursing friends.
She volunteered for numerous organizations during her lifetime as well as the Annawan Library Board. She was in charge of creating Annawan’s bi-centennial book and welcome packages for new village residents. People enjoyed the village’s flower gardens that she planted and cared for throughout the town. Sharon also has over 1,500 volunteer hours at Hammond-Henry Auxiliary including a term as president.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by one sister, Marilyn Lovestrand of Minnesota and one brother, Earnest (Nancy) Salzmann of Mineral. Also, brother-in-law Robert (Janet) VanKerrebroeck, Geneseo, and sister-in-law Sue (Robert) Lanxon, Sheffield, and many nieces and nephews.
Her wishes were to be cremated. Visitation will be held at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory in Atkinson on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. There will be a graveside service at Annawan Township Cemetery on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate. Following that service, we welcome all to join us for a luncheon at the Annawan Community Center at 11:30.
Memorials may be made to Annawan-Alba Library, HHH Auxiliary, or 3 ABN, PO Box 220, West Frankfort, IL 62896.