When You Need Us Most, We'll Be There
In Loving Memory of
Sharon Ann Vettrus
SEPTEMBER 14, 1938 — FEBRUARY 3, 2026
HENDRICKS, MN
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE
Sharon Ann (Hexem) Vettrus was born September 14, 1938, to Oscar and A Theresa (Tofte) Hexem on the family farm in Brookings County, SD. She grew up on this farm with her 3 brothers. She was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran in Hendricks.
She attended country school for grades 1-3 and Hendricks Public School, graduating in 1956. She graduated from the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis in 1959. She was married to Donald Vettrus at Calvary Lutheran on June 11, 1960. In 1983, she earned a BSN from SDSU and in 1985, Patient Administration Program from the U of M.
She worked as an RN for over 50 years in several hospitals in all areas of nursing with ER and surgery being her favorite. Thirty-nine of these years were spent working at Hendricks Clinic and Hospital, which she truly loved. She also enjoyed her time being a nurse at Summer Camps and school.
She was an active member of Christ Lutheran serving as Sunday School teacher, council president and deacon. She was a member of Kiwanis, Hendricks Hospital Governing Board and Health Care Foundation. She volunteered for the American Red Cross serving in five national disasters.
She enjoyed camping, winters in Texas, reading, traveling, woodcarving, and being with family and friends. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage, was a member of Sons of Norway, and enjoyed three trips to Norway.
She will be remembered for her caring, positive and generous spirit.
Sharon is survived by daughter, Kimberly (Daniel) Fixen; son, Kent (Jill) Vettrus; grandchildren, Amanda (Nathan) Besse, Elizabeth Fixen, Noah Vettrus, and Haley (Caleb) Hotchkiss; great grandchildren, Ava and Hudson Besse; brother, Roger Wayne Hexem; sister-in-law, Ruthie Vettrus; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 60 years, Donald; her parents; brothers Rodney and James Hexem; brothers-in-law, Bob Vettrus and Doyle Holmly; and sister-in-law Marian Holmly.
Blessed be her memory.
In Loving Memory of Sharon Vettrus
Your generous gift helps us continue providing compassionate care to others in need, just as Sharon received. Thank you for honoring her memory. When donating you have the opportunity on the donation form to check in “In Memory of”.