Colleen Simmer

Colleen Ann Simmer, 71, of Clear Lake, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Josh Link as Celebrant. Burial was held in Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation was 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday July 2, 2024 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Colleen was born on April 23, 1953, the fourth child of Paul and Patricia (Kelley) Thompson in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Throughout her younger years she lived in various towns but her senior year of High School was when she settled in Clear Lake. On September 29, 1973, Colleen married the love of her life Robert “Bob” Simmer. Together they had three children that they raised in Clear Lake. Colleen devoted 35 plus years to running her own in home daycare. She loved taking care of children and kept in contact with most of the children she had cared for.

Not only did Colleen care for her daycare children but she also loved being there to support her family. She often was found cooking, baking and decorating the home for the next holiday. Colleen was a long time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Colleen and Bob were inseparable, they enjoyed spending time walking, going on bike rides and relaxing on the porch together. She always looked forward to her annual sister weekends, it was a way for her and her sisters to get out of town and enjoy each other’s company. Colleen cherished her family most, every chance she got to spend time with them was not wasted.

Those left to cherish memories of Colleen are her husband, Robert “Bob” Simmer; children, Jason Simmer, Jennifer (Brett) Rosene, and Jessica (Erik) Bergman; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Bryce, Breckin Rosene, and Elijah Bergman; siblings, Tom (Jeri) Thompson, Roberta (Denny) Henely, Mike (Cindy) Thompson, Beth (Jim) Jennings, Bob (Heather) Thompson, Larry (Kim) Thompson, Patrick Thompson and Milissa Whitehurst; brother-in-law, Pat Dillavou; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Colleen is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary “Paulette” Dillavou; and her parents in-law, Donald and Margaret Simmer.

Ward Van Slyke was in charge of arrangements.