Sharon Bogard

Sharon Marie Bogard was a woman of incredible strength. She was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother, putting all of her efforts into the happiness and well-being of her family.

Although the 1940s were dominated by World War II, Americans were able to focus on the good things in life, like growing families and steps toward civil rights. Arnold and Mary (Blaine) Liebenow found reason to celebrate on October 13, 1946 in Rochester, Minnesota, with the birth of a beautiful daughter they named Sharon. Sharon's father was a butcher and her mother a homemaker, showing their children at an early age the importance of a family that works together. Sharon was later joined by her younger sister and half brother, Patricia and Robert.

Unfortunately, Sharon's father passed away when she was just twelve years old. Although this was a difficult thing for Sharon, she grew stronger as a result of her new responsibilities as the oldest child. The family moved from Minnesota to Kalamazoo, Michigan, beginning a new life in a new city. Sharon grew into an intelligent young woman, graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1967.

After graduation, Sharon went to work at a bank, then she worked at many places throughout her life including Godfather Pizza and The Fountains, where she worked as a dietician. A common friend had told David Bogard while bowling one day about a girl named Sharon Liebenow. David had enough guts to go over to her house one day and knock on the door to introduce himself. From that moment on the two began dating, and their relationship would soon blossom into a loving connection. Sharon and David both were deaf, and could relate to each other on a level that most people did not understand. Although it no longer exists, they were members of the Great Lakes Beltline Railroad Deaf Club.

After dating for over a year, Sharon and David became engaged and were married on June 8, 1968 in Kalamazoo. It was not long before they began to grow their family, and together they had two wonderful children, Mark and Jean. As a mother, Sharon gave her kids priority over everything else in her life. She was an amazing homemaker, known for her potato salad and jello. An expert cook and baker, the kids were always eager to see what their mother would put on the table each night. Sharon loved to travel, and family vacations were taken to Florida or out west, often times traveling by car and camping wherever they went.

Sharon loved to do various arts and crafts, and had quite the artistic eye. She would follow david to see trains, both real ones as well as train sets. Later in life she was overjoyed to have four beautiful grandchildren, Jessica, Emily, Douglas, and Ben. Spoiling her grandchildren was a treat for Sharon, and she was lovingly devoted to all of their activities and efforts.

Sadly, Sharon M. Bogard, of Portage, age 63, passed away November 28, 2009. She will be so deeply missed by her friends and family.

Leaving us a legacy of kindness and compassion, Sharon showed us that life can be so beautiful when we approach each day with a smile. She was a happy and laid-back person, ready for each day and each moment with ambition and with an open heart.

Sharon is survived by her husband David; two children: Mark Bogard, of Portage; Jean (Doug)Dodson, of Comstock; four grandchildren: Jessica, Emily, Douglas, and Ben; one half brother Robert Krause, of AZ. She is also survived Mother and Father-in-law: Harold and Esther Bogard, of Lawton; Sister and Brother-in-laws: Sandy (Jerry) Spears, of Marcellus; Carol (Charlie) Landrum, of Marcellus; and Pete (Linda) Bogard, of Scotts; one special niece, Sara (Jack) Brilz, of ID; one great niece, Alexandra Brilz and many other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and also one sister, Patricia Router.

Learn more about Sharon, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends, and share light refreshments, Wednesday from 4 to 7 at the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600). The funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 AM at the same location.

Please visit Sharon memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw Deaf Ministry and/or American Heart Association.