Funeral services were held for Sharon Rautio age 81, of New York Mills, with Pastor Cindy Lemke officiating.  Sharon was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in New York Mills, Minnesota.  

Sharon Rautio was born on July 2, 1940 in Perham, Minnesota to Gladys and Casper Rebuck. She graduated from New York Mills High School with the Class of 1958.  Sharon worked for Dr. Hanson in Wadena. 

Sharon was united in marriage to Mel Rautio on February 11, 1961 in New York Mills. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Lori, Pamela, Robert and Mitchell. They moved to the Twin Cities and Sharon was a homemaker.  In 1974  Sharon and Mel moved to New York Mills and purchased Mills Lanes. They ran the bowling alley for many years.   

Sharon joined the New York Mills school staff in the early 1980’s where she was a paraprofessional. She worked in a variety of classrooms with many students.  She enjoyed working with the students and her colleagues and formed many lasting friendships there. 

Sharon was very active in her children’s activities, including being a Girl Scout leader, a Sunday School teacher, and attending many events.  She also really enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events.  Sharon loved playing the piano and shared the duties of playing the organ and piano for the First United Church of Christ for numerous years. She even enjoyed practicing! 

On October 3, 2021 Sharon passed away at the Elk Ridge Assisted living home at 81years of age.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Sharon in death were her husband, Mel, and her parents, Gladys and Clyde Muckala and Casper Rebuck. 

Sharon is survived by her children Lori (Rich) Murdock, Henning, Pam (Jeff) Haverland Perham, Bob Rautio, New York Mills, Mitch (Janna) Rautio, Bemidji, Minn., Grandchildren: Shelby (Mark) Speckien, Mike Paavola: Nicole (Blaine) Hardy, Kayla (Justin) Keil, Ty Haverland; Ryan Rautio, Nick Rautio, Matthew Rautio: Great-grandchildren, Ogden Speckien; Griffin Hardy and Archie Hardy; Easton Keil and Jay Keil; sister: Marge (Dave) Jones; sisters-in-law: B Ann Rautio; Mary Rautio; Ailie Calvarly; brother-in-law:  Art Heikkula; many other relatives and a host of friends.  

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Sharon’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.