Sharon G. Bortnem, 82, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Elim Health Care Center, Fargo, ND. Sharon was born April 20, 1943, in Superior WI, to Leonard and Betty (Amundson) Swanson. She grew up in Maple, Wl, where she graduated from high school. While in college at NDSU, Sharon met James "Jim" Bortnem. They were married on March 28, 1964. Together they made their homes in lowa and Fargo before settling in Hawley in 1972.

Over the years, while supporting Jim in their business endeavors, she studied and achieved her Master Gardener certification and took great pride in her gardens. She enjoyed sewing and sharing that talent through custom-sewn gifts - she even sewed her own wedding dress as well as the wedding dresses of her daughter and daughter-in-law.

She loved reading, painting, traveling with Jim, and animals. She was known to rescue stray kittens, bring them to her home, and give them a pampered life. She loved providing crucial and unwavering support to her loved ones to help them achieve their own success all while avoiding the spotlight.

Most of all she loved spending her time with family, especially her grandchildren. They were her greatest joy.

Sharon is survived by her son, Bradley (Laurel) Bortnem, Portland, OR, daughter, Lisa (Jon) Wiser, Hawley, son, Bryan (Gina) Bortnem, Duluth, MN; her grandchildren, Brock Bortnem, Malia Bortnem, Blake Bortnem, Cale Bortnem, Grace Czarobski, Jordan Bortnem, Tyler Wiser, and Lindsi Hanlon; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Beth (Jerry) Culhane and Lee Laswell; and her sister-in-law, Georgia Swanson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Leonard and Betty; and brother, Jerry.

Visitation will be Monday, April 20, from 2:00-3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 PM, in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. All are invited to continued fellowship afterwards at Hawley Lanes. Interment will be at Hamden Cemetery, rural Lake Park, MN