Sharon Kost recorded funeral service: https://youtu.be/Tg5eJENrI38

Sharon Kost, 83, of Bismarck formerly of Martin, ND, died Thursday, April 2, 2026, at her home in Bismarck.

Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Martin, ND on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.  Visitation will be at the Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, on Tuesday, April 7, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Burial will be in the Martin Baptist Cemetery, Martin.

Sharon Kost, 83 passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 at Hay Creek Lodge in Bismarck ND.  Sharon lived at Hay Creek for the past three years, after moving from the family farm just outside of Martin ND where she had lived for over sixty years.

Sharon was born on April 7, 1942 in Harvey ND to Louis and Eva (Schmidt) Lesmeister.  She attended St. Cecilia's Catholic grade school and graduated from Harvey High School in 1959.  While in high school, Sharon worked on the Lesmeister family farm south of Harvey, and at St. Aloisius Hospital where she was a receptionist who assisted with bookwork and other tasks.  She enjoyed her work at the hospital and was well liked, probably for her great work ethic and helpful demeanor.

She and Jack Kost married on September 23, 1959, and together raised three children: Jay, Sonja and Shawn.  They were a courageous couple driven by the necessity to survive with a young family, and an independent spirit.  Raising turkeys, farming, hauling cattle and eventually buying and selling trucks were business ventures that required a tremendous amount of teamwork and trust – they had both along with a steadfast love for each other and their families.

Sharon enjoyed reading, working outside in the garden and always liked horses (which she passed on to her daughter, Sonja).   Sharon's actions spoke louder than words in the selfless way she helped to meet the needs of her family, especially her mother, Eva and mother-in-law, Tillie.  Sharon served her church, loved her children and grandchildren and made the best cucumber salad, ever!

Her passing will be deeply mourned by her daughter Sonja (Otis) McGuire of Vail, AZ, her sons Jay (Karen) of Bismarck, ND and Shawn (Cyndi) of Tucson, AZ, grandchildren, Amelia Kost, Abby (Sean) Hatlen, Olivia (Trevor) Fauver and Logan Kost, sisters Judy (Jim) Dawson, Renae (Roger) Specht, Mary Lee (Scott) Lucas, brother Barry (Mary) Lesmeister, sister-in-law Janet and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon is welcomed in heaven by her husband Jack, parents Louis and Eva and brother Leonard.  May Sharon rest in peace knowing she is deeply loved.