Sharon Gail Howell

Sharon Gail Howell, 93, of Cambridge, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at GracePointe Crossing on March 5, 2026. Born on May 20, 1932, to Clover and Earl Peterson in Willmar, Minnesota, Sharon graduated from high school there before marrying Terrance James Howell on July 28, 1951. Together they raised five children: Christine, Dana, Jennifer, Mark, and Allison. While working at the Citizens National Bank of Willmar, Sharon became a passionate advocate for equal pay for women. The couple later separated in the summer of 1975 and divorced in November 1976.

Sharon’s deep love of art led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts from the University of Minnesota. On November 23, 1979, she met the love of her life, Dale Gilhoi. They married on November 25, 1983, after Dale became an ordained Lutheran minister, and made their home in St. Louis Park. Sharon gained two bonus children, Christi Gilhoi and Jason Gilhoi. Her artistic career was highlighted by her role as Curator at the Walker Art Center. The couple later moved to several small Minnesota towns to support Dale’s ministry. After Dale’s death from leukemia in 2000, Sharon returned to the Minneapolis area, where she worked at the Mill City Museum. In Cambridge, she remained deeply involved in the local art community and created a series of paintings featuring area lakes. She spent her final years at GracePointe Crossing, where she was cherished by residents and staff alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale Gilhoi, and her sister Vonnie Nelson. Sharon is survived by her seven children, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.