“Sharon was a truly special and gifted individual. We are so grateful that she chose to minister with us at City Union Mission. Her many accomplishments include the creation of a volunteer program based on biblical principles. The clients and staff, as well as the volunteers all loved her. She is with her Savior, Jesus Christ now because she put her trust in Him. She wanted everybody she came in contact with to also know and trust Jesus as she did. That’s her legacy to her children and grandchildren…a life lived to His Glory,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director.

On May 7, 2008, family, friends, and co laborers said goodbye to Sharon Bednarzyck at her Memorial Service.  “It has been a privilege to work alongside her,” said Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development. “She was always thinking of how to encourage others to do their very best for God. In her effort to encourage staff to embrace the values she taught concerning volunteerism she instituted the Supervisor of the Year Award, to be given to the staff person who best exemplified these values. In her memory this award will now be called The Sharon Award.”

This day, the 7th of May, 2008,
City Union Mission hereby proclaims that the
Volunteer Supervisor of the Year Award
will henceforth be known as
“The Sharon Award.”

Sharon Bednarczyk established tools to empower staff and volunteers to maximize kingdom growth for all involved. Her attention to volunteer value is legendary. Sharon labored to ensure that volunteers know their treasured worth. In recognition of this legacy The Sharon Award will be presented to those supervisors who exemplify the creative, loving, and effective partnership with volunteerism. The ministry spirit established at City Union Mission toward volunteer staff through Sharon’s guidance and example will continue in her memory.

Sharon passed away in the arms of her adoring husband, John, Sunday morning in her home. She is survived by husband, John, two daughters, Michelle Ruckel and Jana Pekarek, four grandchildren, Brooke Johnson, Taylor Ruckel, Jakob and Jordyn Pekarek, a brother, Larry Lipka, a sister, Marilyn Johansen and many nieces and nephews. She was employed at City Union Mission for 6 and a half years as Volunteer Administrator.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that Memorial contributions be made to City Union Mission. The address is 1100 East 11th, Kansas City, MO 64106, or you can go online by clicking here.