Sharon Grabbe Kleinik, age 84, of rural Nokomis, passed away on August 11, 2025, following a long courageous battle with the rare condition of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a Parkinson’s plus condition.  She gave it a brave fight with Kenneth, Kendra, Tim and Kendall supporting her along the way.  Sharon was not one to take a break or stop so the dash between the years was filled to the fullest. She graduated from Eastern IL University in 3 years with a double major in Accounting and Education. Upon graduation, she immediately went on to become the first female auditor for the Springfield Illinois Division of the Internal Revenue Service. She worked as an auditor for 16 years and the second 16 years was in numerous management positions, ending with the Estate and Gift Tax Group under her direction.  Sharon was a manager in the IRS offices of Decatur, Springfield, Champaign, Mattoon, and Quincy.  The highest civil service award given in the IRS is the Albert P Gallatin Award and Sharon was awarded this prior to her retirement of 32 years in 1994.

Sharon married Kenneth W. Kleinik in 1965. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage but to them they really celebrated 67 years as they began dating in High School. Their marriage was known as one of a very special enduring bond of love and support. During their marriage they lived on the farm they purchased together in rural Christian County where they raised corn, soybeans, cattle and champion American Quarter Horses. Sharon was a member of the Nokomis United Methodist Church, Daughter’s of the American Revolution (DAR), Sigma Kappa Sorority and American Quarter Horse Association. They had one daughter, Kendra (Timothy) Kleinik Davis and one Grandson, Kendall Timothy Davis. Sharon had 3 siblings, Philip (Kay) Grabbe of Fillmore, Sally (Ronald, deceased) Sides of Nokomis and Gus (Chris) Grabbe of Lee and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Vern and Alene (Hauser) Grabbe, as well as her West Highland White Terriers she so loved: Westie, Molly and Jamie. She was also preceded by her beloved horses: Peanuts, Lil Bit and Zippo.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 29, 2025, at the United Methodist Church of Nokomis with visitation beginning at 9:30AM, Celebration of Life at 11:00AM. 

In Lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to CurePSP, % Memorial Tribute Sharon Grabbe Kleinik, 325 Hudson Street, FL 4, New York, New York 10013, phone 347-326-1689