Shirley Mae Simmons

Shirley M. Simmons, 79, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away on the second of November, 2025, with her family at her side. She was born on the seventeeth of September,1946, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Armin and Nora (nee Gierach) Barthel. Born with a green thumb, she grew up on Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon, Wisconsin, tending the orchard and strawberry fields with her siblings. After graduating from Milwaukee Lutheran High School she earned her nursing diploma at Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing. On the nineteenth of August,1967, she was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Simmons of Hazel Green, Wisconsin. She had a fulfilling career as a registered nurse for over forty years, primarily at St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend.

Shirley was a devoted wife and mother to three children and lovingly cared for her impressive vegetable gardens and beautiful flower beds at her own home on Wallace Lake. As a longtime member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and then Fifth Avenue Methodist Church she served on multiple committees, including the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and as president of the chapter of United Women in Faith. She was involved with various projects faithfully sewing book bags and quilts to be sent to Africa. Shirley and Dick loved spending their leisure time at their cabin in Adams-Friendship, Wisconsin, as well as antiquing and fishing. They relished time with their beloved grandchildren, attending sporting events, graduations, and weddings, and birthdays.

Those Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memory include son, Jamey (PJ) Simmons of Tennessee; daughter, Kelly (Lou) Moseler of West Allis; daughter; Joy Simmons (Josh Bargar) of Wauwatosa; grandchildren Sam Simmons, Charlotte Simmons, Thomas Simmons, Miranda Dachel – Stepp (Tyler), Matt Dachel, Nick Dachel, Ash Cartwright (Spencer), Sam Moseler, Deidre Behrend (Joe Hargan-Calvopina); greatgrandchild Quill Hargan; siblings Betty Eich (Ed), Eleanor O’Toole, Susan Barthel and partner Dan, Joyce Powell and partner Mark, and Robert Barthel as well as many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Dick Simmons, brother-in-law Robert O’Toole, son-in-law Jim Dachel, brother Richard Barthel, and son Ryan Simmons.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, 323 South 5th Avenue, West Bend, WI, 53095, with Pastor Hae-Jeong officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Myrhum Patten Funeral and Cremation Service has been entrusted with arrangements. Donations in Shirley’s honor can be made to the Fifth Avenue United Women in Faith or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.