Sharon Koropatnicki

Sharon Faye Koropatnicki, 78, of Walhalla, North Dakota, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Sharon was born on July 6, 1947, in Langdon, North Dakota, to Lucille and Elmer Thompson. She was raised in rural south Walhalla, where she attended country school before transferring to Walhalla Public High School where she graduated.

In 1965, Sharon was united in marriage to Rodney Olson. From this marriage, three children were born: Troy, DeVon, and Shawna. On August 14, 1981, she married her love and best friend Wayne Koropatnicki, together they welcomed a daughter, Angela.

Sharon devoted her life to caring for others. Whether through her work as a waitress and cook at various restaurants throughout the years or through her everyday acts of kindness, her servant’s heart was evident to all who knew her. She found great joy in cooking, baking, berry picking, gardening, canning, playing games, garage sales, trips to the casino and working in the yard where she planted a row of blueberry trees. Sharon especially loved gathering her family together to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She had a contagious laugh and was known for her wonderful sense of humor and wit. Sharon loved to have fun and was famous for her practical jokes. She always put others first and had a soft heart for animals, often rescuing strays and either finding them loving homes or welcoming them as part of her own family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Koropatnicki; children: Troy (Tonia) Olson; DeVon (Chauntel) Olson; Shawna Smith; and Angela (Kent) Swenson. Grandchildren: Dalton (Alexandra) Olson, Tanner, Trinity, and Tucker Olson; Elise Anderson; Noach and Gavin Swenson; Cole and Liv Smith.

She is also survived by siblings, Gerald (Carolyn) Thompson and Marilyn (Michael) Vanata; mother-in-law, Mary Koropatnicki; brother-in-law, Jerry Koropatnicki; sisters-in-law, Marie Thompson, Linda Koropatnicki and Joan Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Thompson; father-in-law, Peter Koropatnicki; brothers-in-law, John Koropatnicki, Kent Koropatnicki and Kevin Thomas.

Sharon will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Memorial services will be held at Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.