Paul Harold Sharkey

Paul Sharkey, age 73, of Cottonwood, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Avera Marshall Hospital. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church in Cottonwood, Minnesota. A luncheon will follow, also at the church. Interment will be held at noon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in conjunction with his mother's burial in the East Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery in Hanley Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, also at the church.

Paul Harold Sharkey was born on September 28, 1952, in Clarkfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Harold and Ruth (Kay) Sharkey. Paul was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his youth at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls. He attended elementary school in Hanley Falls and graduated from Granite Falls High School with the class of 1970. Paul went on to attend Southwest Minnesota State College in Marshall to earn a degree in Agriculture and play basketball.

On January 14, 1978, Paul was united in marriage to Nancy Sietsema at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Renville, Minnesota. The couple made their home outside Hanley Falls before moving into Cottonwood in 1998. Paul and Nancy shared over 48 years of marriage together and raised 2 children, Anita and James. Paul farmed and cared for hogs for many years before continuing his career amongst various roles and organizations before his retirement in 2021.

Paul found enjoyment in goose hunting in Lac qui Parle, MN, fishing on the Yellow Medicine River, or various lakes near Starbuck, MN, golfing, bowling, softball, collecting sports cards, or checking out the latest computer technologies. He also was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and had a passion for fantasy football. But more than anything, Paul enjoyed time with his family and his beloved dogs.

Paul Sharkey died on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Marshall, Minnesota at the age of 73. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Sharkey of Cottonwood; 2 children, Anita Sharkey of Cottonwood, Jim (Myranda) Sharkey of Sioux Falls, SD; 6 grandchildren, Rylan Wiegmann, Harlow Wiegmann, Sawyer Sharkey, Aspyn Sharkey, Hudsyn Sharkey, Leo Sharkey; 2 siblings, Glenn (Annette) Sharkey of Hanley Falls, Robyn Galer of Windom; brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He also hugged his mother, Ruth Sharkey, in Heaven just 16 hours later.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Harold Sharkey.