Sharron Lee Strain of Spooner passed into the eternal and loving arms of her Heavenly Father on July 8, 2026. She was 80 years old.

On February 8, 1946, Sharron was born to Carl and Helen (Routh) Solberg in Superior, WI. Maybe being born in the winter was why-for her whole life-she so disliked being cold.

While growing up Sharron moved with her family to different states to be near extended family.  She attended elementary school in Seattle and Moose Lake, WA, and high school in Robbinsdale, MN. As a little girl she enjoyed playing with dolls with her older sister, sneaking candy from her big brother, and watching her dad work with his hand tools; she thought it was fascinating.

In her young adult life she worked at a candy factory and in various other jobs in the Minneapolis suburbs. While raising her family she was an in-home daycare provider. It was during this time that she began to paint ceramics, knit, and crochet-in all of which she excelled.

She and Donald Strain were married on December 13, 1991, in a small but lovely ceremony in Elba, MN. It was evident to all how much they loved each other. Together they founded Strain’s Helping Hands, a warm and welcoming in-home elder care alternative. They very much enjoyed serving together in their home.

After moving to Spooner, Sharron drove bus for Badger Bus Service while continuing to paint beautiful ceramics, even owning her own kiln and teaching others her craft. She was a gifted artist. When not painting or holding a skein of yarn, she could be found tending to her many and varied gardens. They, too, were a work of art.

Sharron loved her family and cherished time spent with them at any given chance. She was known to play jokes on Don and the grandkids and thoroughly enjoyed good-natured shenanigans.

Sharron will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her husband Don; daughters Rose (Steve) Sires and Joyce Grunden of Houston, MN; sons Joe Meyers of Wabasha, MN, Tim Meyers of Durand, WI, and Jim Meyers of Maiden Rock, WI, as well as sons she loved as her own: Derrick (Lisa) Strain and Darin Strain of Rochester, MN.

Also left to cherish her memory are her 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren (including one on the way), and her sister-in-law Mary Ann Solberg of Brule, WI.

Sharron was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother-in law Rudy and Clara Strain, her sister Carol Totten, and her brother Carl “LeRoy” Solberg.

The family wishes to thank Pastor McCoy and the Northwoods Baptist Church congregation, of which Sharron was a member, for their love and prayers during her illness. They also thank the staff at Bratley-Nelson Funeral Home for their compassionate assistance. A memorial service for Sharron will be held at a later date.

Last Update: Jul 10, 2026 8:34 am CDT