Sharon Van Hecke

Sharon Van Hecke, age 76, of Cape Coral, Florida, Cross Lake, and Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at St Joseph Medical Center in Brainerd, MN surrounded by her family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12:30 pm. with a gathering starting at 11 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Luncheon will be held at the Pointe in Prior Lake following the service.

Sharon Lea, born on October 4, 1948, in Le Mars, Iowa, to John and Wilmena (DeBoer) Hooyer grew up with her three siblings. Her early years were marked by life on a farm in Arco, MN, where Sharon spent summers swimming at the lake. She attended primary school in Arco and later graduated from Ivanhoe High School, in 1966.

Sharon began her journey into adulthood working at the local county courthouse in Ivanhoe. It was at a wedding dance that she met Robert Francis Van Hecke, the love of her life. They married on June 27, 1970, in Arco. Sharon never had a dull moment while raising their three sons, Brett, Ryan, and Brandon. Between all the sports events, days on the lake, and the trouble the boys always seemed to find, Sharon showcased a strength and patience few could match.

Sharon joined several bowling leagues – not for the game, but for the friendships and laughter that came with it. An avid reader, Sharon loved puzzles, games, antique shopping, beach days, and boating with her grandchildren. An eye for decorating, Sharon transformed each home she lived in with special touches. With the gift of gab and willingness to strike up conversations anywhere, she always left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Whether riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, or spending winters in FL for the past 15 years, Sharon embraced every adventure with enthusiasm. The strength Sharon showed throughout her life will remain a lasting inspiration to all who met her.

Sharon will be forever remembered and loved by her husband, Bob; sons, Ryan (Tina) Van Hecke, Brandon (Jodie) Van Hecke; grandchildren, Tatum (Trevor) Van Hecke, Lainey Van Hecke, Shelby Van Hecke, Jon Van Hecke; great granddaughter in June; other relatives and friends.

Greeting Sharon home in Heaven is her son, Brett Van Hecke; parents, John and Wilmena Hooyer; siblings, James Hooyer, Larry Hooyer, and Loretta Lundberg.