LuAnn Wagner Simons

Funeral services were held recently at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake for LuAnn Wagner Simons of Spirit Lake and formerly of Sioux City who passed from this life on July 29, 2009 at Avera-McKennan Hospital.

Pastor Phill Andreasen officiated. Interment was at Marcus Amherst Cemetery.

LuAnn Simons was born March 8, 1936, daughter of Lawrence HH Wagner and Esther Bobzien Wagner of rural Sanborn. She graduated from Sanborn Public School, attended Buena Vista University and graduated from Parsons College. She married LeRoy Pingel, they were then divorced in 1972. She then married Lee L. Simons on Dec. 13, 1975. Lee passed away Nov. 10, 1983.

LuAnn was actively engaged in farming and made her living feeding cattle and later raising show dogs, especially Newfoundlands. She then moved to Sioux City in 1972 where she was employed in personnel at J.C. Penney and Toy National Bank as Systems and Procedures Coordinator. LuAnn was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield (Wellmark) and affiliated MBC in 1976. The family moved to Orange City in 1977 and transferred back to Sioux City in 1983. LuAnn then retired from Wellmark in 1993 and continued to work in agriculture interests. In November 1998 LuAnn then moved to Spirit Lake full time.

LuAnn was a long time member of Quota Club of Sioux City. She helped Quota develop their Educational Foundation. She was an avid volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary and served on their board. LuAnn also volunteered for SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Improvement Program) and served on a state board. She also served on the board for the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Served as an Elder Guide for the Northwest Area on Aging. LuAnn was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and president ILCW. A member of Spirit Lake Protection Association and Spirit Lake Tax Council, Okoboji Women's Club, Fun and Friendship Club and Jolly Jokers 500 Club. LuAnn also volunteered at Lakes Art Center and RSVP.

Survivors include two sons, LeDoyle Pingel and Nikki-Bernard-Mattson of Grundy Center, LeDen and wife Sandra Pingel of Cleghorn; two daughters, LaNee and husband Russ Perkins of Orange City and Lorale and husband Jeffrey Johnson of Sioux Falls, S.D.; five grandchildren, Stephen Michael Pingel, Rebecca and her husband Kirby Mosbach, Dan Pingel, Alexandria Johnson and Joel Johnson; three step granddaughters, Kathy, Mary and Mikayla Perkins; a great grandchild; Mathew Mosbach; and step-great grandchildren Kennidy Kennaway, Olyvia Broadhead, Frankie Perkins, Kiana, Kyli and Kayli Huerta-Perkins.

The Schuchert Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.