Sharlene Edna (Schulze) Vig, 68, of Belle Fourche, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.  Sharlene was born in Belle Fourche, SD, on October 20, 1952, to Edwin Emmit Schulze and Doris May (Cool) Schulze, spending her first nine months in Newcastle, WY. The family then moved to Belle Fourche. Sharlene was the youngest of five, and felt blessed to have four older sisters.

Sharlene married her husband of 50 years, Gary Kenneth Vig, on August 7, 1969. They were blessed with two children: Lori Lynn (Vig) Nonnast, born August 31, 1971, and Tery Kenneth Vig, born April 20, 1973.  During those early years of marriage, Sharlene worked and made a home for the family while Gary finished trade school. Soon after, they established their own construction company, Vig Custom Homes of Belle Fourche.

In 1979, Sharlene and her husband took over his family ranch near Stoneville, SD, and with help from friends and family built a new home where many wonderful memories were made. During that time, Sharlene also worked at the local Stoneville Store and Post Office. In 1985, the family moved back to Belle Fourche where she helped Gary open a Farmers Insurance Group Agency, which they operated until 1999, while still operating the family ranch till 2004.

In 1987, Sharlene was diagnosed with a rare blood disease which became a tremendous challenge in her life. For several years she traveled back and forth to Bethesda, Maryland, to the National Institute of Health to be a part of a clinical trial, where she endured numerous tests and a double bypass operation. Though the prognosis was terminal, she decided to put her faith in the Lord and go off all medication. With Gary and her family by her side and her beloved church family's prayers and support, she faced over 30 years of health hardships with the joyful expectation of heaven and the waiting arms of her dear Savior.

After retirement, Sharlene and Gary enjoyed traveling. Their favorite destinations included Alaska and Norway. They both loved to camp with their travel trailer, especially at Beaver Creek near Sharlene's family homestead at Four Corners, Wyoming. Sharlene loved to travel to attend church meetings around the country and made many dear Christian friends. She also enjoyed visiting her sisters out-of-state. When travel was no longer possible, she kept in touch with them daily over the phone.

With health declining over the years, Sharlene and Gary found great enjoyment and comfort in their home, their beautiful yard and prayer garden, nearby church family and friends, their children, and especially the sunshine of their later years, grandson, Gavin. Sharlene loved her church family and hosted prayer time with special friends. Gary and Sharlene spent much time developing their yard into a beautiful tree grove and flower garden and maintaining the church grounds.

Gary died suddenly at age 69 in their home on January 11, 2020. With help from family, many dear friends, and by God's grace, Sharlene was able to remain living in and enjoying her home until her heavenly homecoming. By prayer and faith, she amazed everyone, having lived many years beyond doctor's predictions.

Sharlene is survived by her children; Lori (Vig) Nonnast of Hill City, SD, Tery (Tonya) Vig of St. Onge, SD; grandson, Gavin Nonnast of Hill City, SD; sisters, Vivian Stratton of Omaha, NE, Susan (Al) Svoboda of Custer, SD, and Sally (John) Hammond of Peoria, AZ; brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Clark (Janice Vig) Arends of Enning, SD, Kevin (Debby) Vig of Stoneville, SD; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sharlene was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Vig; parents, Edwin and Doris Schulze; infant brother, Mark Reginald Schulze; sister, Janet (Lawrence) Schaub; and brother-in-law, Cliff (Vivian) Stratton.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Black Hills Gospel Assembly, 19020 Gospel Lane, Belle Fourche, SD. Burial will be at the Fairpoint Cemetery.  A memorial has been established.

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