Services
Obituary
Sharon (Gibbons) Upenieks, 79, of Britt, passed away Monday, April 18, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City.
Memorial service for Sharon and Ilmar will be May 28, 2022, at 9:00 AM, with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. A gathering beginning at 11:00 AM will take place at 576 6th Street Southeast Britt, Iowa 50423.
Sharon was born in Woodword, Iowa on December 23, 1942, Daughter of Ruby and George Gibbons. After high school Sharon met her lifelong partner who later became her husband Ilmar Upenieks. The two started their life together and were joined in marriage on June 17, 1960. Sharon and Ilmar had 2 beautiful children, Michael John Upenieks, February 1, 1962 and Melissa Ann Upenieks, September 30, 1965. In 1971 the family moved to Britt, IA to own and operate the local bowling alley. Sharon had many different job opportunities throughout her life all which she took great pride in. Working at Kum & Go in Britt was the highlight of her employment career. She loved seeing and interacting with everyone from the community. After she retired there was not very many places, she could go without someone knowing and recognizing her from the several years she was worked there. Sharon enjoyed several things in life including being a mother, grandmother, and especially loved being a great-grandmother. When Sharon had family get togethers you could always find her in the kitchen cooking up meals. All of the family knew when they stayed at the house you could always count on waking up to the smell of breakfast cooking. Sharon is survived by her son, Michael Upenieks of St. Benedict IA. 4 grandchildren: Chris (Kelly) of Bode, IA, Matt (Tannyn) of Britt, IA, Brooke (Charlie) of Route 66, Brandon (Candance) of CDA, ID. 13 Great-grandchildren: Austin (2000), Blaze (2007), Ava (2009), Natalie (2005), Victoria (2013), Xandyr (2016), Dillan (2002), Denyon (2010), Damick (2013), Bailey (1998), Paige (2003), Shannon (2005), Logan (2006) and would be welcoming in another perfect great grandson in Aug 2022. 3 sisters Gloria, Hazel, and Maryln, and 1 brother Butch. Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Ilmar, her daughter Melissa, her sister Judy and many more family members.