Sharlene Florence Afrank, 86, formerly of Albion, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the Genoa Community Hospital Long Term Care in Genoa.

Sharlene, daughter of Alvin and Evelyn Louise (Kearney) Berlin, was born Dec. 24, 1937 on the family farm in rural Platte County. She was baptized at Palestine Baptist Church and attended rural Platte County schools, graduating from Genoa High School in 1955.

On Dec. 27, 1955, Sharlene was united in marriage to Raymond Mors Afrank, Sr. at Palestine Baptist Church in rural Platte County. She taught school and was a farm wife while raising their four children. In 1981, she took the job of laundry supervisor at the Wolf Memorial Good Samaritan Society in Albion and worked there until retiring on Feb. 11, 2010.

Throughout her life, Sharlene was very involved in her faith and church. She was raised at Palestine Baptist Church in Platte County and later joined the First Baptist Church in Albion. She taught Sunday School and served as superintendent and deaconess while raising their children there. When she moved to Genoa, she joined the Genoa Methodist Church, until it closed. She presented chalk talks for over 50 years to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sharlene loved her precious dog, Miracle. She also loved the U.S.A. and American History. She was a member of the Cedar Rapids American Legion Auxiliary since 1975 and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), joining in 2000 and serving as Regent of David City Chapter in 2004. She was a collector of kerosene lamps, rocks from various places, and John Deere items with her beloved husband Ray. She was very artistic and creative. There was not a person she could not engage in conversation. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and enjoyed giving them a call on special occasions. She was an avid reader, loved jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed writing poetry and stories, and never tired of westerns, especially with John Wayne in them. She always had room left to eat chocolate, and always gave the best hugs packed with so much love.

Sharlene is survived by her children: Sharmond (David) Loeffler of Wood River, Raymond Jr. (Sheila) Afrank of Meadow Grove, Morsena (Randall) Prososki of Genoa and Chrystal (Glen) Tharnish of Newman Grove, 16 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, three great grandchildren on the way in April, May and June of 2024, sisters-in-law: Frances Berlin and Faye Gray, both of Columbus, brother-in-law Robert Whited of Fullerton, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, Sr., two grandsons: Tanner Afrank and Zachary Tharnish, sisters: Allene (Philip) Wake and Margie Whited, brothers: John “Jack” (Vera Jo) Berlin, Eldin (Norma) Berlin and Richard “Dick” Berlin, brothers-in-law: Henry Afrank, Victor Afrank and Milford (Marilyn) Afrank, sisters-in-law: Dena (Pete) Johnson and Christina (Robert) Gray.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Levander Funeral Home in Albion with Connie Kramer, Lay Minister officiating. Interment followed at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Levander Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.