Sharon Marie Alcorn Schnepf

Honored by:Ruth V. Alcorn
Brick location:A:11  map

Sharon, fifth child of Leroy Hans and Ruth Virginia (Saltsgiver) Alcorn, was born January 9, 1950, at the West Union hospital, the same building which is now the Fayette County Historical Center. She grew up on the family dairy farm just west of West Union on highway 18, developing a love for work, helping, studying, and horses.

As an 11-year old youngster, Sharon wrote a note to her parents in which she expressed her thank you for all they had done for her and she hoped she could live up to their expectations.

After she graduated from North Fayette County Community High School in 1968 as valedictorian and from Iowa State University in 1972 with a major in physics, she became a science teacher. Sharon never went to school a single day that she hadn't finished her homework--many times taking extra projects that had not been assigned.

Her life was threatened with a medical problem in her first year of teaching; again later she was seriously injured in a car accident so her faith in God has saved her to become a twice-honored "Outstanding Teacher." Sharon taught school at Anamosa public school and Carroll-Kuemper Carroll for four years. Since then she has taught at the Lake Park School System in Rozelle Illinois for 18 years. She has taught advanced algebra, astronomy, chemistry, and physics.

On July 30, 1977, she married Theodore John Schnepf, who grew up on a farm near LeMars, IA, graduated from Iowa State University, and was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad. Ted and Sharon built a home near Elgin, Illinois, which houses a large model railroad. Sharon teaches and Ted is a railroad rehabilitation project manager. Sharon is active in her Presbyterian Church, helping teach Sunday School and Bible School as well as being active in the women's missionary work and choir. Sharon is a good cook and excellent homemaker. She has no children, loves gardening and growing flowers to beautify their lovely home.

Sharon is the kindest, most appreciative person I have ever met. So I would like to honor her with her name in the Plaza of Heroines. 7/1/96