Simmons, Thomas B.

Thomas B. Simmons, age 75, of Dodgeville peacefully died surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Tom was born on February 10, 1949 in Hazel Green, WI, a son of the late Benjamin and Jeanne Simmons Blackbourn. He graduated from Cuba City High School in 1967 and then MATC – Madison. On June 14, 1969, he married the love of his life, Barbara Mae Simmons, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cuba City. He worked at International Harvester and then worked for Wisconsin Power & Light (Alliant Energy) until his retirement in 2014.

Tom lived a fulfilling life spreading love and joy in Cuba City, Poynette, Madison, Janesville, Oelwein, IA and Dodgeville, dedicating himself to his family, community, and his faith. He was a respected member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, serving on the Four Degree and Honor Guard as well as District Deputy, touching countless lives through his selflessness and devotion. As Director of the Kramer Shrine, he dedicated endless hours making this place of prayer serene, a testament to his faith. It was his pride and joy and his legacy will live on.

Tom could fix anything and often was first to be called on. He loved camping, traveling, tinkering in his garage, and spending quality time with his family. He was well known for his big blue truck. He will always be remembered for his blue eyes, smile, and laugh.

Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years Barbara; his children Pamela (Mark) Lentz of Onalaska, Joseph (Jennifer) Simmons of Janesville, Ryan (Tanya) Simmons of Edgerton and Kimberly (Chad) Gonczy of Rochester, IL; his grandchildren Christopher, Alexander, Teegan, William, Samantha, Matthew, Oliver, Sophia, Emerson and Zoey; first great granddaughter expected in June; his siblings Kathy (Dave) Timmerman, Deb (Don) Coulthard, John (Pam) Simmons and Tracy Simmons; his sister-in-law Donna Simmons; his brothers and sisters-in-law Larry (Neena) Simmons, Eva Esser, Gary (Laurie) Simmons, William (Trudy) Simmons and Terri (John) Jacobson; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jeff Simmons, his in-laws Marvin and Malinda Simmons, his sister-in-law Donna Moore, his brother-in-law Michael Simmons, his nephew Scott Simmons, his granddaughter Danielle Lentz and his step father Harry Blackbourn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

A Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Kramer Shrine Foundation or St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com