Sharol Ann (Amundson) Kaufman

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Kaufman, Sharol Ann (Amundson) Ladies and gentlemen, a daughter of the prairie, Sharol Ann Amundson Kaufman has left the suburbs! Born 15 December, 1934 in Sioux Falls, SD to Sarah Marguerite (McCormick) and Arnold Earnest Amundson, Sharol enjoyed the past half century in the snuggly brown house overlooking her cherished Libb's Bay that she built with her best friend, Denver, with whom she was reunited for an eternal heavenly Jitterbug on 24 July, 2020 at the age of 85. Her parents and husband preceded her in death. Bless them all. Sharol's natural maternal instinct, which extended to everyone she met, first emerged as the happily dedicated older sister of her cherished siblings, brother Robert Arnold Amundson (Kathy) and sister Lady Jan Sarah Amundson. These skills were next honed on the children she and Denver adored, Mary Kathryn Cashman and Thomas Denver Kaufman. Perhaps her greatest joy as a matriarch was her three grandchildren, Grace Kathryn Adair, Hugh Thomas Quinn, and Caroline Honor Adair Cashman about whom she was heard to say "I love my grands so much, if it were possible, I would have had them first." Sharol is survived by her siblings, children, and the grands, many loving relatives and friends, as well as the last puppy to warm her lap, Honeybear. A graduate of Washington High School in Sioux Falls, Sharol then worked her way through the University of South Dakota serving at The Barrel Drive-In and packing bacon at John Morrell. She was determined to be the first woman in her family to graduate from college and in earning her degree in English was named in Who's Who among university students where her listed accomplishments include Pi Beta Phi rush chairman; Zeta Phi Eta vice-president; Tau Kappa Alpha vice-president; Speech Club treasurer; Association of Women Students secretary; South Dakota State Extemporaneous Speaking Contest 1st place; and president of the Toastmistress Club. She later served as an Alumnae Provence President of Pi Beta Phi. Sharol made her move to the big city of Minneapolis, teaching junior and senior high school in Richfield and St. Louis Park. When she and a group of teacher friends decided to try the fabled Murray's restaurant, they planned and saved and made reservations for lunch, not dinner. It was a fortuitous choice as Sharol ordered a husband: seated with his boss Joe Robbie was a gentleman she had met at a Barristers Ball while at University. Her lunch mates dared her to reintroduce herself. She took the dare and soon Joe's wife Elizabeth was counseling Denver Kaufman to marry that fine young lady from Sioux Falls. He did. The two best friends were wed on 7 January, 1961 and created a life that embraced the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra; inaugural subscription to the Guthrie Theatre; season tickets to the Vikings and her beloved Twins; boating on Lake Minnetonka; eating at the finest restaurants then recreating the recipes at home with even greater success. They and several couples enjoyed years of great food and company in the Copy Cats Cooking Club, however Sharol's style, grace and radiant smile were one of a kind. As a member of Wayzata Country Club, she knew the goals and dreams of every valet, server, and chef. She shared in their struggles and their triumphs. Sharol was loved by every service professional, care attendant, and house helper she employed, many of whom she had known since they were in high school. Retiring receptionists who had never met her in person took her number with them when leaving to check up on Sharol in their free time. Sharol and her family thank all the caregivers who have been so affectionate, especially our Visiting Angels, Senior Home Health Care, Martin Luther Care Center, Woodlake Clinic, and Abbott Northwestern and Methodist Hospitals. All events will follow Covid size restrictions and safety protocols. Visitation at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th & MN-100 Edina, MN Wednesday 5 August, 2020 1-4 pm. Private graveside interment at Lakewood Cemetery Thursday 6 August, 2020 10 am. Private service at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church 5025 Knox Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN,Thursday 6 August, 2020 11:30 am. The service will be live-streamed, see Washburn-McReavy.com for details. Reception to follow at a private residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sharol and Denver's names may be made to the Guthrie Theatre and Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Memories of Sharol can be made anytime you create fine food and share it with others; take in a Twins game; brush your grandchild's hair; see a theatre play, hear an orchestra or opera; pay a stranger a compliment or stop to ask the breed of a cute dog; and especially when you plant a garden. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on August 2, 2020