Sharon L. Kiland

Sharon Lee (Fowler) Kiland, 84, was a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on October 15, 2021, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by loved ones when her body grew tired, and a voice warmly whispered, "Welcome home."

Sharon was born on June 5, 1937, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She was the youngest of two children born to Harold and Gunella (Gilmer) Fowler. Her family made their home in Moorhead, Minnesota. After graduating from high school, Sharon attended college to pursue her interest in global studies. Sharon joined her husband, Merdell "Mac" Kiland, WWII veteran, in marriage in 1966. While raising her young family, Sharon had a career at Kvamme Travel. Following her time at Kvamme, she held a wide range of unique employment positions throughout her life.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Sharon. She treasured going for car rides. She had no preference on what direction the car was pointed, she simply enjoyed uninterrupted time in the car visiting and enjoying natures beauty. She enjoyed spending time tending to her flowers. She had the magic touch. One would admire her ability to make anything grow. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, knitting, playing piano, decorating, watching movies, and visiting over a warm cup of coffee or a cold brewski. Anyone who knew Sharon would know that she took great joy in shopping for bargains. If you received a gift from Sharon, you knew much thought went into it. She was a thoughtful gift giver.

Starting out as strangers, but ending as friends, described Sharon's fiery spirit for life. If you struck up a conversation with her, you soon felt like you had known her forever. She was a great storyteller. Her stories were interesting, full of details, and hilarious-she was an author in her own right. She took great pride in sharing stories about her children, grandchildren, and travels. She was courageous and determined to experience the world and set off to travel to faraway places after her children were all grown. Her travels took her on many exciting adventures. From Minnesota to Alaska to New York, and many places in between. While she enjoyed all her travels, she cherished most being close to where her family was.

Sharon was a keeper of things. You name it, she had it! She was uniquely resourceful with items she had and found ingenious ways to put them to good use. She also had many passions. Sharon could transform something old into something new and beautiful. She had an impeccable ability to be innovative and creative. She was an avid reader, not just of any pull-off-the-shelf kind of books, but books that most of us would have to look up the words or concepts in Google to understand. She proudly collected a large library of great novels. She truly was a life-long learner. Sharon was woman of sturdy character and with a keen sense of humor, a trait she passed onto her sons. Her sons could imitate "Sharonisms" that would leave your belly hurting from laughing.

Sharon was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mac; and her parents, Harold and Gunella Fowler. Sharon is survived by her brother, Gary Fowler; her five sons who inherited her quick wit, Jan, Rory, Dallas, Blair, and Shane; and her wonderful grandchildren, Ryan, Rhaegan, Jake, Mason, Easton, Harrison, Addison, Everett, and Eli; and other loving relatives and close friends.

The family invite you to join them for a celebration of Sharon's life. The service will be Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Korsmo Funeral Chapel in Moorhead. Visitation will be from 1-2 PM, followed by a funeral at 2 PM. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations, the family asks that you donate one of your favorite books to your local retirement homes in memory of Sharon.

All whom cared and loved her will never forget her tenacity, wit, character, and her quiet love for them. In our hearts a memory will always be kept.