Sharon Kay Winkelbauer, 70, of Leavenworth, died Monday, February 17, 2025, at Providence Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born July 26, 1954, in Hiawatha, KS, the daughter of Robert "Richard" and Betty Jean (Bowen) Shields.

Sharon graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1972 and Emporia State in 1976 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Survivors include, her spouse of almost 50 years, Tom Winkelbauer; her two sons, Jeremy (Liz) Winkelbauer of St. Joseph, MO, and Andrew (Jana) Winkelbauer of Lenexa, KS; three daughters, Paula (Ryan) Fisher of Cottleville, MO,Rebecca (Nick) Fisher of Lansing, KS, and Christina (Chris) Megee of Leavenworth, KS; sister, Linda (Les) Money; brother-in-law, Ron Peterson and ten grandchildren: Jacob and Katelyn Winkelbauer; Alexis Fisher; Madison and Henry Winkelbauer;Addy, Kaiden, and Dylan Fisher; and Noah and Zachary Megee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Robert (Marilyn) Shields; and her sister, Joyce Peterson.

Sharon was an active member of St. Joseph Church, contributing to the Altar Society and eagerly participating in the annual German Fest. She spent many Thanksgivings delivering meals to the less fortunate and checking in on the homebound through the Friendly Visitors program. Sharon and Tom frequently hosted international military officers in their home. She was also a skilled cook and baker who enjoyed quilting and puzzles in her leisure time.

Sharon was a Kindergarten teacher at Xavier Catholic School for nine years. She retired from her classroom teaching position so she could become the full-time mom that she wanted to be. Her true joy was spending as much time as possible with her kids and grandkids. She was involved in every volunteer activity available and was a "mom" to every kid with whom she came in contact, particularly those who were a part of the Winkelbauer carpool. She never missed an activity or sporting event for any of her five kids.

Visitation will begin with praying the Rosary, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 23rd, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 24th, at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday, at Saint Leo's Cemetery, Horton, KS. Memorials are suggested to Xavier Catholic School.