Sharrie Robinson

I, Sharon “Sharrie” Sue Robinson (Mertens), age 84, died Saturday, August 2, 2025 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Appleton. I was born August 16, 1940 in Manitowoc, WI, the daughter of the late Albert and Ivanelle (Pechman) Mertens.

I spent my youth in the Manitowoc area and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Silver Lake College and in 1986, received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Denver in Colorado. I was married to Eddie Robinson in 1968 and was later divorced.

Throughout the course of my life, I lived in Texas, Colorado, Washington, and France. I taught second grade for six years in Wisconsin; worked as an accounting supervisor in the oil industry in Denver, Colorado and Vancouver, Washington; and thrived as secretary to the director of a Christian mission near Versailles, France. I returned to Wisconsin in 1990 and settled in Appleton. I was the Northeast Regional Accountant for Lutheran Social Services until the time of my retirement in August of 2004.

My love of travel took her to all parts of the United States and Canada. My preference was to travel by car and alone, as I was my own favorite travel companion and my favorite place was “anywhere out West”, especially Montana. I met many wonderful people everywhere I went, where my smile, sense of humor, and curiosity served me well.

My other favorite past times included reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering at the Appleton Public Library. There, during sessions of Creative Journey, I discovered my love of writing. I kept busy as a member of the Friends of the Appleton Public Library Board of Directors for three years and was honored to be chosen the library’s “Volunteer of the Year” in 2010. Within that time, I facilitated the creative writing group, was a greeter, and also assisted the volunteer coordinator. In 2016-2017, I was again honored by the library when I was asked to be a part of the Storyteller campaign. I’m unashamedly proud of my gigantic photo that used to hang outside the library building!

In 2013, I moved into Hallmark Place, an independent senior living apartment building in Kimberly. There, I made many new friends and enjoyed being the director of the choir, even though I couldn’t sing well or read music! I loved making people laugh with my antics and gaudy costumes.

I loved browsing through art galleries and museums, “experimenting” with art, and writing stories and poems for and about children. Above all, my faith and belief in God carried me through the joys and challenges of life. I was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ and loved greeting people on Sunday morning as often as I could.

I am survived by my sister-in-law, Kathi; my nephew, Neal; other relatives; and my extended family of friends in Appleton and across the country. I am preceded in death by my brother, Scott. The loving support of my many friends, who I considered family, was a blessing I appreciated beyond words. I was especially proud of and appreciated my special friendship with Beth Belmore whom I always introduced as “my person”.

A memorial visitation will be held for Sharrie from 9-11 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a celebration of life service to follow at 11 AM. Sharrie will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc, WI at 1 PM on Monday, August 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, Sharrie’s wish was that any memorials be given to Friends of the Appleton Public Library.

Sharrie’s person would like to extend a special thanks to her medical providers, who took extraordinary care of her, especially Dr. Amy Servais and Dr. Alexander Tretinyak.

Donate to Friends of the Appleton Public Library: https://friendsofapl.org/donate-to-new-library/