Karleen R. Simons

On December 18, 2013, there was a new star in heaven. Karleen R. Simons left us to join her son, Brett, and finally put her body at peace. Karleen entered the world on June 6, 1967, the first child of Michael and Dixie Riley. Karleen grew up in the Dubuque area having been Little Miss Monona. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1985, and then obtained a business degree at NITI. On July 22, 1989, she married Doug Simons and after living in Rickardsville for a few years they moved to Dickeyville. They were blessed with four children, their son, Brett, leaving them too soon. Their daughter, Ashley, and her husband, Kurt, gave Karleen great joy when her granddaughter, Madison, was born. Austin, an Eagle Scout, is attending Winona State University and Alicia “Ali” is a junior at Cuba City High School whose hockey and softball games had them traveling and Karleen making treats. Karleen was a career woman at Woodward Printing, being the business manager, whose family came first. She had beautiful flower beds and each fall her yard would transition with fall and Christmas decorations. Family trips in her convertible, with their boat and to other destinations were very much enjoyed. Giving to others was the most important and many families benefited at Christmas with her generosity. Karleen is further survived by her brother, Michael, her sister, Colleen, her in-laws, Lester and Carol Simons; and her special dogs, Ruby and Rosie. Visitation for family and friends will be at Casey Funeral Home in Cuba City on Friday, December 20, 2013 from 3-8 p.m., where there will be a parish rosary at 2:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 8:30-9:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home before the service. Funeral services will be at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Bernard Rott officiating. Graveside services and burial will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Colesburg, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the family. Thank you to Dr. Herman and his staff for all their care with a special thanks to Sandy Eggers for her unwavering attention, everyone at Dickeyville Fire and EMS for their unconditional support, and the care provided by Hospice of Dubuque. To our personal Angel, Grandma Carol, who made it possible for Karleen to remain at home -- we love you.