Sharon Semke

Sharon Ann Jones Semke, loving, caring, compassionate, giving, and forgiving mother of Jim, Tom, Suzanne and Scott, passed away at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames on Thursday, August 11, 2011, at the age of 76. She was born in Carroll, Iowa, on April 16, 1935 to James A. and Naomi (Morlan) Jones. She grew up in Scranton and enjoyed sharing many fond memories of her early life there. After graduating from high school Sharon worked at the Scranton Elevator for several years. She married Donald Wyckoff in 1956, and they were later divorced. In 1968 Sharon married Keith M. Semke of Jefferson. He died in 1976. In later years, Sharon lived in Des Moines and Cedar Falls, Iowa, and had a successful career as a nationwide crop insurance administrator. She retired from Ag Services of America in 2000 and returned to her hometown of Scranton. During her retirement years Sharon loved entertaining her children and grandchildren in her home. She took great pleasure in playing the piano and redecorating her house. Sharon also enjoyed having coffee and playing cards with local friends. Those later years in Scranton allowed Sharon to spend time with her father, Jim, and stepmother, Mary, before they passed away. Sharon will always be remembered for her keen wit and pleasant, soothing voice. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Naomi Jones and her husband, Keith. She is survived by her brothers, Jim (Ruth) Jones of Jefferson, Harry (Barb) McKay-Jones of Duluth, Minnesota, Robert (Stephanie) Jones of North Manchester, Indiana, and Tim (Luan) Jones of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Also surviving Sharon are her children Jim (Laurie) Wyckoff of Cedar Falls, Tom Wyckoff of Waterloo, Suzanne Duff of Scranton, and Scott (Heather) Semke of Lorimor. Her grandchildren are Katie (Jared) Koelling, Joseph (Rose) Wyckoff, Samantha Wyckoff, Karla Coellner (John Bergthold), Jenna Coellner, Natalie Coellner, Alex Duff, Will Duff, Jacob Cline, and Katelyn Cline. Great-grandchildren are Finley and June Koelling. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, August 15, 2011 at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton with Rev. Harry McKay Jones officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Casket bearers will be John Bergthold, Jared Koelling, Joe Wyckoff, Jacob Cline, Alex Duff, and Will Duff. Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery.