Sharon G. Howell

Sharon Gail Howell, 93, of Cambridge MN passed away peacefully at GracePointe Crossing on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Sharon was born May 20, 1932 to Clover and Earl Peterson in Willmar, MN, where she attended high school and later married Terrance James Howell on July 28, 1951. Together they had 5 children: Christine, Dana, Jennifer, Mark, and Allison. During this time, Sharon worked at the Citizens National Bank of Willmar, where she would become an activist defending equal pay for women. Sharon and Terry separated in the summer of 1975 and were divorced in November 1976. Sharon’s career spanned many fields, but it was her passion for art that led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts from the University of Minnesota.

On November 23, 1979, she met the love of her life, Dale Gilhoi. Shortly after they met, Dale finalized the process of becoming an ordained Lutheran minister. After spending some time traveling, they married on November 25, 1983, and made their home in St. Louis Park, MN. With this joint venture, Sharon gained 2 bonus children, Christi Gilhoi and Jason Gilhoi (from Dale’s first marriage). Amongst her many fascinating artistic adventures, perhaps the most impressive was her position as Curator at the Walker Art Center. Sharon and Dale would later sell their home to pursue Dale’s career as an ordained minister and made their homes in several small Minnesota towns. After Dale passed away from Leukemia in 2000, Sharon returned to the metro area to be closer to family and accepted a position at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, MN. When Sharon relocated to Cambridge, MN, she continued to be very active in the local art community and did an entire series of paintings of Cambridge area lakes. Her final home was GracePointe Crossing, where she was adored by residents and staff alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dale Gilhoi, sister Vonnie Nelson.

Sharon is survived by 7 children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Gathering 1-3PM, Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Granite Falls City Cemetery, Granite Falls, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Scout and Morgan Books, children’s books.

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