Deanna Simmons, 84, Kasson

Deanna Simons was born Deanna Mae Lamp on December 23, 1937. She was the oldest of four children born to Frank Edwin Lamp and Mary Osmek Lamp. She was born in a farmhouse near Brownton, Minnesota. Deanna attended kindergarten in Hutchinson, then attended grades 1 through 8 in country school. She attended grades 9 through 12 in Hutchinson and graduated in 1955. Also, in 1955 she was chosen to be the McLeod County Dairy Princess. She belonged to the Loyal Progress 4-H Club for years becoming a junior leader.

After graduation, Deanna moved to St. Louis Park, and worked in a bank as a receptionist for a year before moving back to Hutchinson where she was employed at 3M Company.

It was there that she met Joe Simons. They were married February 15, 1958 and were married for 61 years. Joe and Deanna had six beautiful children.

The family lived in Hutchinson for eight years. Joe started working at IBM in St. Louis Park where the family lived for two years. He was transferred to Boulder, Colo. and the family moved to Longmont, Colo. where they lived for four years.

Joe was then transferred to Rochester in 1972 and the family moved to Kasson, where they made their permanent home.

Deanna strongly believed in the virtue of kindness. She was involved in a lot of volunteer work. She was a Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, and a Cub Scout den mother. She was a dedicated hockey mom and served as president of the band parents’ organization. She also served as commodity chairperson and was on the Miss Kasson Pageant committee for ten years.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and sang in the choir with her beautiful voice for 10 years. She taught religion classes and served on many committees. She was president of the ladies group, CCW, and was president of parish counsel.

She held many part-time jobs over the years including selling Avon, running the lunch counter at the Kasson Sales Barn, Libby’s in Rochester, the license bureau, and Olmsted Tax Service. Deanna had many hobbies including reading, cooking, sewing outfits for her children, sewing many beautiful quilts for family, bowling, camping, traveling, gardening, gambling, Bingo, playing cards, and playing Farkle with her own set of rules.

Deanna will be remembered as the type of person who would take care of others and put their needs ahead of her own. She had a smile for everyone and a contagious laugh that will be remembered by those who knew her. Deanna had a huge heart and always saw the best in everyone.

Her motto was “Take time to smell the roses.” Her favorite song was “You Are My Sunshine,” which was so appropriate because she was a ray of sunshine for everyone that she knew. She set a good example for us to follow and continue her legacy.

Deanna is survived by daughters Lynann (Bob) Knutson and Lisa (Greg) Morson; sons Greg (Kristy) Simons, Jeff (Mary) Simons, and Jason (Kimberly) Simons; sister Lavonne (Lyle) Falling; brothers-in-law Jim Moller and Frank (Cathy) Simons; and sister-in-law Judith Lamp.

Also surviving are grandchildren Brandon (Jasmine) Ranvek, Zachary Simons, Ezekiel Simons, Emma Simons, Abby Simons, Joey Simons, and Sophie Simons and great-grandchildren Kayla Greenlee, Aubree Ranvek, Madison Ranvek, Jaden Ranvek, and Reese Ranvek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Joe; son Joseph Mark; brother Frank; and sister Janice.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Church of the Holy Family, 1904 N. Mantorville Ave., Kasson. The Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with Fr. John Lasuba officiating.

A meal will follow. A private burial will be at St. Margaret’s Cemetery, Mantorville, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boys Town or a women’s shelter of the donor’s choice.

Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Kasson is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.