Sharon Wohlner

A woman of unwavering faith, Sharon Wohlner lived a life rich in family, adventure, and service. Sharon embodied the principles of her faith and modeled, by example, how to welcome each day as a gift and to share her gifts in the service of others. Whether working as a model, reading her favorite books, volunteering in her community, taking trips, sharing a delicious meal, or cheering on her loved ones' endeavors, Sharon led with her heart in all things. In doing so, she proved an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. A cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Sharon will long be remembered and so very missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, 1935 continued to celebrate many firsts. Flash Gordon made his debut while Fuji Photo Film first captured memories. The Three Stooges took center stage in their first short, and the nation also met Donald Duck. The rays of hope peeked through the clouds of despair in America as unemployment continued to decline and the nation began to climb out of the Great Depression. Nowhere was there a greater sense of hope than in the home of Lewis C. and Leocadia (Sadowski) Herrmann, as they welcomed their daughter, Sharon, into their family on October 16 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up on Glenhaven Ave, Sharon enjoyed the good company of her three siblings, Jaqueline, Nancy, and James. Sharon was especially close to Jaqueline. Sharon's father was the founder of Herrmann Oil Company, and her mother was not only a homemaker, but also the first secretary for Richard DeVoss and Jay VanAndel as they created Amway Corporation. Sharon enjoyed large family gatherings at the family home and attended Mount Mercy Elementary School. While fighting a very bad blood infection when she was young, Sharon almost died.

After graduating from Catholic Central High School, Sharon continued her education at Grand Rapids Community College, where she was a member of the downhill ski club. Sharon worked as a professional model and won the title of Miss Michigan Winter.

While in Palm Springs, California, Sharon met her husband, Hollywood entertainer Joseph "Pepe" Callahan, while he and his band were performing. Sharon married the actor who performed in many Hollywood movie and TV productions including the classic western, Joe Kidd with Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood, The Apple Dumpling Gang, Ship of Fools, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Stripes with Bill Murray, just to name a few.

After marrying in Mexico, Sharon and Pepe lived in Hollywood's Toluca Lake neighborhood, where Bing Crosby was their neighbor. Highly sought after for her beauty, Sharon worked with top LA designers and modeled in Beverly Hills, where she partnered on brand assignments with her close friend Judy Keith, the wife of movie star Brian Keith.

Sharon was delighted to become a mother when her son, Joseph Callahan Jr., was born. A very loving, protective mother, Sharon could also be strict. She passed on her Christian faith and values to Joseph; she loved reading the Bible and C.S. Lewis classics. Sharon’s marriage to Joseph’s father came to an end, but she made it known she was eternally grateful for the gift of her son.

After returning to the Grand Rapids area, Sharon was hired at Davenport College and went on to create a highly rewarding career as the college’s employment director. She was well known for her contributions within the West Michigan business community and received numerous awards. After serving 29 years at Davenport College, Sharon retired and began a life of consistent volunteer work at local homeless shelters and joined the community access channel Catholic Forum TV show as their sound engineer. She was also a member of Holy Spirit Church for decades and eventually became a third-order Franciscan.

Sharon enjoyed music, cooking, and traveling. She often listened to jazz and early rock music and enjoyed cooking Mexican, Chinese, and German foods. She was famous for her enchiladas. She and her sister made wonderful memories traveling together, exploring Europe and the Caribbean, and taking many trips to Hawaii, where they stayed at Jaqueline's condo in Honolulu.

Prior to the COVID pandemic, Sharon's son Joseph and his family moved to Grand Rapids to continue caregiving for Sharon in her own home, per her end of life wishes. Though her health challenges required support from several different facilities over the years, Sharon much preferred spending time with her family and always returned home. More than anything, she loved her two grandchildren, Caleb and Calise Callahan, whom she doted on.

As we celebrate Sharon's life, may we find comfort in knowing she is free from the constraints of the disease that so impacted her life and the lives of those who cared for her. May we also find comfort in our many treasured memories and the honor of carrying Sharon's legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we cherish being with loved ones, share a home-cooked meal, travel with a loved one, listen to jazz, or read our favorite faith-based books, we keep Sharon's beautiful legacy alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Sharon L. Wohlner, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at home, with her loving family by her side after a lengthy battle with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Sharon was preceded in death by her brother James Herrmann Jr, sister-in-law Pat Herrmann, and brother-in-law John Bushnell.

Sharon is survived by her son, Joseph (Stacey-Ann) Callahan, her grandchildren, Caleb and Calise, and her sisters, Jacqueline Bushnell and Nancy Brander. Sharon also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, David Bushnell, Mary (Mike) Foley, James Jr (Laurie) Herrmann, Denise Brander, and Chip Brander.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Sharon's family will meet with friends for one hour prior to this service at the same location.

Memorial contributions in Sharon's honor can be provided to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School.

To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com