Sharon (Kane) Reuter

Sharon (Kane) Reuter, a beloved mother, partner, sister, aunt, grandmother, godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Hastings, Minnesota, on May 23, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved her. She was 80 years old.

Born in Hastings to LeRoy “Roy” and Mary (Sieben) Kane, Sharon was the eldest of three daughters and a lifelong, cherished member of the Hastings community. She graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 1964 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth, for two years.

Sharon married Eugene "Gene" Reuter, and the couple soon moved to Annandale, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., where Gene worked in construction. It was there, in 1968, that they welcomed their son, Brian. Their years in Virginia were filled with wonderful times and the formation of many lifelong friendships.

In the summer of 1977, the family returned to Hastings. After a short time continuing in construction, Sharon and Gene took an entrepreneurial leap and purchased Waste Masters, a commercial waste business. Together, they owned and successfully operated the business for many years—a hard-earned success that funded many memorable vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as Brian’s college education.

Sharon was a woman of a strong work ethic, holding various positions throughout her life, including waitressing, airport security, and shipping and receiving. While working in airport security, she met her devoted partner of more than 20 years, Richard Kilen. Together, Sharon and Richard shared a deep passion for travel, spending many cherished winters soaking up the warmth in Mexico and Costa Rica.

Beyond her travels, Sharon found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life closer to home. She had a passion for gardening, dedicating countless hours to tending the vibrant flowers and beautiful flower beds that surrounded her home. On warm summer days, she could often be found soaking up the sun and swimming by the pool at her nephew and Godson Ryan Weyandt’s house, creating wonderful memories with the family she adored. Sharon was also an avid golfer, spending many fun-filled hours on the course with friends and family, in leagues, and on vacation.

A woman of steadfast faith, Sharon was a dedicated parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where she faithfully attended Mass every Saturday evening.

Sharon is survived by her loving partner, Richard Kilen; her son, Brian Reuter, and his wife, Annyb; her grandson, Brady; her sisters, Corinne (Alan) Vance and Christina (Tim) Weyandt; and a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives were profoundly shaped by her loyalty, presence, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mary Kane, and her former husband, Gene Reuter.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at church.

Sharon always said she preferred to receive flowers while she was living, and she did. In honor of her vibrant spirit and her green thumb, the family kindly requests that those attending the service wear purple, her favorite color.

Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.