Sharon Baloun

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Sharon K. Baloun, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at her home in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Highmore, with Monsignor Charles Mangan, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Highmore.  Visitation begins at 5:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. wake service, on Monday, November 18, 2024, all at the church.

Sharon was born on June 14, 1939, to Frank and Dolores (Moore) Brady in Holabird, South Dakota. She grew up always being told that the flags were put out just for her on her birthday by her dad, Frank. As a child, Sharon was always clever and found a humorous and tactical way to achieve her goals, like hiding her church-only shoes in the hen house to “sport” them whenever she wanted. She excelled in high school with many friends always by her side, and was voted homecoming queen at Highmore High School her senior year. Sharon used laughter, love, and the ability to charm people to win many friends.

In 1958 she married Darwin Baloun, to whom four children were born; Kim, Kevin, Kip, and Katina. Sharon worked full-time while teaching and raising a family while obtaining her bachelors degree. She always said teaching in Highmore were the best years of her life. Her innovative nature and tenacity helped her bring the first computers to the Highmore High School and she was also invited to speak nationwide at many math/computer conventions. She continued her education by obtaining her insurance license, continuing to work with school systems and ultimately received her realtors license at the age of 75. She never stopped learning.

Sharon was a teacher of life, a humanitarian, and a role model for many. Her infectious smile and “prankability” brought many laughs and life long friends along with her on her journey.

An avid bridge player, or any cards in general, usually gave her a winners title and bragging rights, but if not, many laughs over the crying towel. She loved her grandchildren, children, and family, and taught them many lessons as well. Her grandchildren were her biggest priority and joy. 

She also enjoyed bowling, golf, traveling extensively, and anything else that brought her together with friends and laughter, but style was her “shitck” and all her own. You threw a few glitzy stones together and a stylish piece from Neiman and she was all on board.

Like Will Rogers she never met a person she didn’t like.

Sharon is survived by her ex-husband Darwin; four children: Kim, Kevin (Cindy), Kip (Laura), Katina (Robert); 10 grandchildren: Blayne (Laura), Jayme, Kara, Jace; Kyle, Ashley, Connor; Jaxson, Jagger, and Jett; two great grandchildren, Brecken and Brayden; one brother, Mike Brady; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dolores Brady; brothers: Pat, her twin, Tommy Ray, and Jim; and sister, Rosemary. 

Sharon’s loving spirit and dedication to education will live on in her children, her many students, family, and friends who touched her heart and she touched theirs.

We know she would want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of her life and in her favorite words “I’m so glad we had this time together.”

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to the American Heart Association.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Sharon’s arrangements.