Family History
Sharon was born and raised in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Her parents are Paul Erickson (retired from the Lake County Highway Dept. and Air National Guard), and Irene Erickson, (a retired elementary school teacher). Sharon has been married for 25 years to Dr. Milton Ropes, M.D., Urology. Their children are Erin,
Lauren, and Nathaniel, all either in college, or recently graduated. Sharon has been a lifelong Lutheran, is an active member of Central Lutheran Church, and a Winona resident for 20 years
Work Experience
Registered nurse, Navy veteran, Red Cross disaster relief nurse, Chair of the Winona Area Public Schools, Master Gardener, Small business owner, Published Author- Celebrate 2000 with a Half-Century of Jim Heinlen. Sugar Loaf Press, 1999.
Education Background
Two Harbors High School; Secondary
College of St. Teresa; B.A.; French, 1976
College of St. Teresa; B.S.; Nursing, 1976
Government Service
State Board/Commission/Council
Minnesota Attorney General's Task Force on Consumer Rights and Health Care
School Board/Administration Winona, Minnesota (School Board, Chair, 2000-2001)
Military United States Navy Nurse Corps (Commissioned Officer, North Carolina and Virginia)
At 13, I volunteered as a candy striper for our local board-and-care home in Two Harbors, Minnesota. I learned wise lessons from the amazing stories and compelling faces of the farmers, the old railroaders, tiny bent women, and immigrant grandmothers wrapped in crocheted afghans. It was a quiet, converted hospital where we caregivers all had to speak a bit of Norwegian, Finnish, and Swedish. I loved it. For the next four decades, I kept my finger on the pulse of geriatric issues as a nurse assistant, RN (College of St. Teresa grad), community volunteer, senior advocate, and now state policymaker. This work has deepened my respect and commitment to older citizens. I am grateful to have had so many wonderful "grandparents" that enriched my life... Top priorities for Minnesota include addressing the needs of the Greatest Generation, as well as building a long-term care system that our children can afford.
The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. --Hubert H. Humphrey
These words from a great Minnesota statesman reflect fundamental values in my life Minnesota values which have guided the work I accomplish at the State Capitol.