Sharon Kay Kainauskas (Brown)

Sharon Kay Kainauskas (Brown), died on April 5, 2024, in her hometown of Fairfield, Iowa. Sharon was 79 years old and her death was the result of complications related to a recent hip fracture.

Born June 30, 1944 in Decorah, Iowa, Sharon was the fifth of five daughters of Octave Brown and Emma Brown (Bjergum). While growing up in nearby Postville, Sharon enjoyed singing with high school vocal groups and was an accomplished baton twirler along with her beloved sister, Janice. She often reminisced about the joys and excitement of growing-up in a bustling home.

After high school, Sharon married Kenneth Wright and was overjoyed with the birth of their son, Trent, living in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas. Years later, during her late 20’s, Sharon moved to Fairfield, Iowa and settled into that community. While in Fairfield, Sharon married Tony Kainauskas and they lived an engaging life in the community where they owned and operated a popular local business, the 21st Century Bookstore. Sharon and Tony loved and nurtured the bookstore for 27 years. During her time in Fairfield, Sharon studied and practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM) which is known as an ancient practice of meditation and study. Sharon was closely connected to the TM community and the practice of TM until her passing. Sharon also had a life-long bond with St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville and was grateful for her faith, and St. Paul’s presence, in her life.

Sharon’s favorite activity was visiting her son, his wife, and her two cherished grandchildren in California. She adored visiting the beach and the Pacific Ocean. Sharon made the trip many times, most often at Christmas, and would enthusiastically begin planning her next trip before the present one was over.

Sharon relished studying visual and literary arts and was constantly engaged in some type of craft or the creation of a beautiful, warm and inviting home. She was an excellent cook. She made, and selected, wonderful greeting cards and wrote the most kind, insightful and memorable notes. Sharon journaled regularly in beautiful penmanship and with an elegant writing style. These journals remain in her family’s care and provide a rich history, thoughtful and compelling observations, and are a reflection of Sharon’s caring, optimistic and generous nature.

Sharon is survived by her son Trent E. Wright, her grandchildren AJ and Alaina Wright, her many nieces and nephews, and her supportive and caring friends.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, and her four sisters, Virginia Janett, Lorraine Schultz, Beverly Sander and Janice Schultz.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Postville Cemetery.

This service will be followed by a lunch in Decorah at a location to be determined soon.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Click here to visit the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home website.