COTTAGE GROVE - Sharon Eileen Pilger, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at her memory care home. She was born on September 23, 1940, in La Crosse, Wis., to Ethel and Henry Abnet Jr.

Sharon’s deep faith and compassion for her family and friends touched the lives of many. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy, especially celebrating their accomplishments through the years. Volunteering for Special Olympics was a huge passion of our whole family. Sharon traveled to Europe when Jolene competed in speed skating for the International Special Olympic Games in Austria. Another love of Sharon’s was baking and cooking with family and sharing recipes passed down from generation to generation, including Kethlees, Ranch Burgers and Chicken N Dumplings, a few family favorites! She was a proud member of her Red Hat Group and enjoyed taking part in all of their adventures and events. Knitting Baptismal Prayer Shawls for church, always trying new patterns, was another special talent of hers. Other favorite hobbies included listening to music, sewing/mending, word search puzzles, reading and of course, playing cards with her family, especially “Kings Corners,” which she taught her great-grandchildren how to play. Recently Sharon found pleasure in watching Hallmark movies, cuddling with precious pooches and seeing the birds visit her feeder.

Her employment through the years included working for GTE in Sun Prairie and for American Girl in DeForest.

Sharon is survived by her daughters, Yvette “Betsy” (Craig) Schambow of Pewaukee, Bethann (Carl) Walz of Reedsburg and Jolene (Keith) Grass of Cottage Grove; her five grandchildren, Brent (Chani) Schambow, Brice (Tomalyn) Schambow, Brittany (James) Gibson, Brandon (Kelsey Rego) Walz and Bryanna (Lucas) Stando; and her nine great-grandchildren, Rinley Schambow, Roman, Journey and BrantLee Schambow, Isaac and Benjamin Gibson, Bryar Walz, and Wyatt and Ryder Stando. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Rhoda Wiese and Ruth Johnson; and the father of her daughters, Richard Pilger.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s name may be considered to Agrace, Special Olympics of Wisconsin or Pet Partners.

The family is extremely grateful to the compassionate staff of Drumlin Reserve/Blue Grotto and Agrace for all of their love and support,

May Sharon’s legacy of kindness toward others live on in your heart.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Sharon E. Pilger

September 23, 1940 - November 05, 2025

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