Sharon Atherton Wheaton

Sharon Atherton Wheaton, 82, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on Jan. 12, 2021 after suffering a sudden illness.

She is survived by sister DeOnn Stacey of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, brother David Atherton of Mason City, Iowa, husband, Darrell, her three children, Doug, Dave and Pat, grandchild Osborne (Ozzy), and her cat Nanki-poo. Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Gertrude Atherton of Charles City, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled later in the year when gatherings are safer.

Sharon was born on All Saints Day (Nov. 1), 1938 in Charles City, Iowa to Gertrude (nee O’Harrow) and Gordon Atherton. She graduated from Charles City High School, and began college at William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri, later earning a BA at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She began a career in television writing and production in Waterloo, Iowa. She married Darrell Wheaton in 1959 and following stints in Salt Lake City, Waterloo, and Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline Illinois, settled in Lincoln Nebraska in 1967.

Sharon had a strong affinity for Japanese culture, and worked on several educational television series focused on Japan. During her time at the University of Mid-America she spent time working in Japan.

Sharon was very active in local civic organizations, prominently in the Lincoln Evening Optimists club. She also produced a local newsletter for her community association since moving to south Lincoln in 1999.

In the long-running nightly cribbage game between her and Darrell, she now has won the series.

She will now have all the time she needs to finally finish her Great American Novel

Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Online Condolences can be left at www.bmlfh.com.