Sharon Marlene Steffke
November 5, 1943 – September 19, 2022
Sharon Marlene Steffke passed away on September 19th, 2022. She is proceeded in death by her son, Chris Bergendoff. She is survived by her husband, Steve, her dogs, additional family members, and many dear friends. Sharon’s ashes will be scattered in the mountains at a private event, per Sharon’s request.
Sharon was born on November 5th, 1943 in Nampa Idaho. Sharon was the eldest of 4 children to Willard and Irene Sitts. Sharon’s family moved several times, finally settling in Northern, Illinois where Sharon married and had a son, Chris Bergendoff. Sharon fiercely loved and supported Chris in any way she could – she was even his Den Mother in Cub Scouts.
Sharon’s work career began when she was in High School in Idaho as a carhop. She worked across the street from a competitive burger joint owned by some guy named Paul Revere (later of the Raiders). Sharon was so good that they were constantly trying to steal her away.
In 1977, Sharon was a single mother working in a factory. During her midnight shift, she met a coworker, Steve Steffke, who became her best friend, husband, and soulmate for the next 45 years.
In 1978, Sharon married Steve. Sharon and Steve created their first home together in Elgin, Illinois where Sharon worked in Nursing at Sherman Hospital and Steve worked in the Hi-Fi Business. Steve’s work eventually led them to Lakewood, Colorado in 1980. In Colorado, Sharon worked as a Telephone Secretary for 10 years before she and Steve became partners of their own Landscape Business called “Backache Acres.” Sharon and Steve would grow their business for the next 25 years. Sharon often commented “How Lucky they were to know such wonderful clients that really were Good Friends.”
Sharon had many interests that kept her busy including Cooking, Mystery Novels, Classic T.V., Thrift Store Treasures, Their Beloved Dog’s, Camping and Hiking, Concerts at Red Rocks, and Season Tickets to Bronco Games. Once, Sharon and Steve got tickets to the Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami). However, instead of going to the game, they traded the tickets for a hail-dinged camper trailer. Sharon nicknamed the trailer “Dimples.” The family would enjoy Dimples for the next 20 years.
Sharon was also a Community Activist. When a lake near her family home of 32 years was threatened, Sharon helped lead the effort to “Save our Lake” from developers.
In 2001, while out hiking in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Sharon had a heart attack. After a dramatic mountain-side rescue that included a helicopter evacuation, Sharon met the cardiologist who would help her recover and resume her active lifestyle..
In 2014, Sharon and Steve’s lives were shattered by the unexpected death of their son Chris. Sharon’s ever-present optimistic spirit was broken. Sharon and Steve retired to an empty nest lifestyle with their dog’s, Kiki and Rusty. Sharon’s heart health continued to decline until multiple organ failure took her to Heaven.
Donations in Sharon’s honor can be made to Table Mountain Animal Shelter.