Sharon Jean Stroheker

Sharon Jean Stroheker was born November 18, 1948, to Robert and Janet Stroheker and grew up in Prineville, Oregon. The high desert never left her heart—nor did her love of country music and cowboys. After graduating from Prineville High School in 1967, she attended Portland State University and later earned a degree from the University of Oregon in 1972. Her years in Eugene made her a devoted Duck fan, and she followed Oregon athletics with enthusiasm, insight, and plenty of opinions.

After settling in Portland, Sharon pursued a career in criminal justice, first enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard where she served in the Marine Safety Office and then joining the Portland Police Bureau in 1976. At a time when few women served in the bureau, her dedication led to a distinguished 26-year career, progressing through the ranks from patrol officer to background investigator and ultimately detective—her proudest professional accomplishment. And she earned respect every step of the way.

On June 24, 1987, Sharon married Kurt Lang Maul, her partner in life and adventure. Together they loved traveling, football, gardening, and sharing meals from Sharon’s kitchen. Their home was made warmer by a succession of cats, each named after characters from mystery novels. After retiring, Sharon discovered a passion for needlework, channeling her creativity into needlepoint and embroidery projects that later became treasured gifts for friends. Although Kurt’s sudden death in 2011 was a devastating loss, Sharon’s curiosity and zest for life carried her forward, leading her to new friendships and pursuits with plenty of laughter along the way.

Sharon’s courage, grit, and strength were most evident in her final months. Diagnosed with end-stage pancreatic cancer in February, she faced it honestly and on her own terms, remaining practical and unmistakably herself. During her time at Hopewell House, she was surrounded by her needlework, flowers, and friends. She became a favorite of the staff and volunteers who loved hearing her stories. Sharon died on May 2 and in lieu of flowers, she asked that donations be made to Hopewell House in gratitude for their skilled and compassionate care.

You are invited on Friday, June 12th to attend her Internment at Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Funeral Home at 2 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow from 4-6 pm at the Stockpot Restaurant in Beaverton.