Shirley Ann Louise Simonson

Shirley A Simonson, age 86, died Friday March 26, 2021. She was born February 7, 1935 in Sisseton, South Dakota to John and Helga Koeppe. She graduated from High School in 1953. It was during this time she met and continued to love her life-time companion, James.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota in 1957. She married James that same year. She taught school in Oak Park, Illinois for three years to “put him through” Medical School. Had her first child, Ingrid. In 1961 she and her family moved to Ethiopia as missionaries. While there she had two more children, Matthew and Sonja. They returned to Chicago in 1966 and moved to Oshkosh in 1970 where she was able to raise three wonderful children. In 1985 she and James moved to Austin, Minnesota returning to Oshkosh in 1995 to be with their children and grandchildren.
Shirley was very active in church (circles, bible studies, Sunday School teacher, quilting, Steven Ministry and WELCA -Women of the Church). She enjoyed playing bridge. Was a member of PEO. In retirement years they did extensive foreign travel – 40 countries in total.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 63 years, James. Their children, Ingrid (Jeff) Jorgenson, Matthew (Cheryl Soper) Simonson, and Sonja Simonson. Their grandchildren, Michael (Gustavo) Simonson, Sonya Robinson, Heidi Robinson, John (Britt) Simonson and Jessica Jorgenson. Their great grandchildren, Mia, Kyra, McKenna, Marya and Jordy.
She is further survived my many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters in law; Audrey, Eunice, and Bonnie Simonson and Clarinne Koeppe, brother in law; Richard Hohertz.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents John and Helga Koeppe, brother Delno Koeppe, sister Barbara Hohertz, and brothers in law, Luther, David and Paul Simonson.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions a private service was held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church Oshkosh, WI with Pastor Connie Weiss officiating. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to Our Saviors Lutheran Church 1860 Wisconsin Oshkosh WI 54901 for the quilting group or WELCA.