Sharon L. Wacker

Sharon LaRae Wacker, 73, of Walthill passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at a nursing home in Sioux City, following a long illness.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Good News Baptist Church, 3200 West 19th Street in Sioux City. Private family graveside services will be in Wayne, Neb. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Sharon was born Dec. 31, 1942, to Allan and Caroline (Weseloh) Cross in Omaha. She married Gerald Wacker on Oct. 15, 1960. They left Omaha to raise their children to love God and enjoy the good life of rural Nebraska. She was a stay-at-home mom until the children grew up, then working as a nurse’s aide at Countryside Retirement Home. Sharon earned her nursing degree from Western Iowa Tech on Aug. 7, 1981.
She served as a nurse in the Winnebago Public Hospital for 20 years until her stroke in 2002, abruptly ending her career. Although wheelchair-bound, Sharon enjoyed life as a farmer’s wife and Gerald cared affectionately for her as “the best crop of his life.” They traveled the USA extensively, vacationing, visiting family and watching the Huskers and Royals play. Sharon enjoyed 53 years of marriage with her loving and faithful husband, Gerald, who preceded her in death in 2013. Her children made it possible for Sharon to continue living on the farm, following their father’s example of love and commitment to family.
Sharon was known for her quick wit, sassy humor and love for shopping. She played solitaire on the computer, sent cards to family and friends, and adored her dog. An avid sports fan, she joyfully watched the Royals win the World Series last year. Her pastor and friends at Good News Baptist appreciated her lively and insightful comments, and were blessed by her encouraging cards.
Survivors include her five children, Jeff Wacker, Richard (Kathy) Wacker, Colleen (Jim) Swanson, Cheryl (Kerry) Milner and Corey (Rebekah) Wacker; 20 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Ruby Laurent; sisters-in-law, Deanna Sharon and Bev (Ron) Boecker; brother-in-law, Dave Wacker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sisters; and brother-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for The Sioux City Gospel Mission.