Sharon D. Brocker

Sharon Delores Eagen Brocker was surrounded by her family On September 18th, 2023 as she walked into the open arms of her Lord and Savior. Sharon was born in Austin Minnesota on March 27, 1938, to her parents Delores Duffney and Everett Eagen.

With the guidance of her mother and grandmother, she attended Queen of Angels and Pacelli High School in Austin which planted the seed of faith that she sustained throughout her life.  Sharon had great style and invested that strength in a Post-secondary Cosmetology school in Austin.  Following her schooling she worked as a cosmetologist in the Austin area.

Sharon had a special capacity for great love.  As a youth, she especially loved the Duffney cousins, Madonna, and Joyce, and reveled in summers spent with them in Northern Minnesota. As an only child, Sharon took refuge at the church, she pondered becoming a nun but ultimately decided she wanted to be a mother and have a large family.  Elmer Irvin Brocker won her heart at a local dance in Austin and on August 18, 1959, they joined in marriage to create that family together.  They relocated to Mankato and though having their own children took time, Elmer and Sharon fostered eleven children from 1970-1972.  They were overjoyed to finally welcome Brian, in 1964 and Kim in 1966. Karolyn joined in 1970 and Pam in 1971.  With their long-desired family complete, Elmer’s work drew them to Mapleton where they made their home for the next 22 years.

After their children completed school, Elmer’s work moved them to Pine Island and then Wanamingo.  As they found their way back to the Mankato area, Sharon was diagnosed with dementia.  They transitioned back home to Heritage Place as Sharon’s dementia was advancing.  One month prior to her passing, Elmer and Sharon celebrated their 64^th wedding anniversary and were lifted in love by their family and their Mapleton Community Home family. 

Sharon was a hard worker putting her heart into each task and shining her love of people and service.   She had a love for the elderly, and her kind heart and gentle hands were always doing God’s work.  While her children attended school, she worked as a nurse’s aide at the Mapleton Community Home, which was her residence at the time of her passing. Sharon was a humble and grateful woman who asked for little, but she was a keeper of people always staying in touch with friends. She loved sewing, cards, coffee, golf, crafts, puzzles, and magazines. Sharon also loved fishing and gardening.  It was a blessing that she and Elmer procured a lovely place at Lura Lake near Mapleton and spent 20 years enjoying “God’s Country” where they were often visited by family, friends, and ultimately grandchildren.

She was an active member of her church and prayer groups.  Her solution to everything was prayer.  Each day she would pray devotions and her rosary and daily she would dedicate her prayers to friends and family.  She planted seeds of faith with all her children as they attended weekly church at St. Theresa’s in Mapleton.  Sharon and Elmer volunteered for the church on committees and prayer groups, as RCI Sponsors, First Friday, Eucharistic ministry to the homebound, and visits to the sick. 

Her deep love of family gave her great joy that broke through the fog of dementia leaving her them with loving memories to cherish. Sharon is survived by her husband Elmer, her children and spouses: Brian Brocker (Chris), Kim Hart (Jerry), Karolyn Nelson, (Mike), and Pamela Steffl, (Justin), and five grandchildren. (Chantel, Chase, Blake, Carter, and Gretta) She was preceded in Death by her mother, father, stepfather, and many dear friends.

Her Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 23 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 104 Silver Street West, Mapleton, MN 56065 @ 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  In leui of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Teresa Catholic Church or Mapleton Community Home (301 Troendle St SW, Mapleton, MN 56065).

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.