Nancy Jean Simerson

Nancy Jean (Tefft) Simerson, a beloved wife, mother, educator, and community advocate, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the age of 74.

A Celebration of Life Service for both Nancy and Steve Simerson will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City, Iowa on Saturday, April 13, 2024 with a visitation at the church from 9-11 a.m., funeral service at 11 a.m., and a luncheon including pie immediately following in the social hall.  Nancy and Steve Simerson will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, Iowa.

Born on Aug. 23, 1949, in Charles City, Iowa, Nancy grew up on her family farm near Nashua before moving to Greene, Iowa. A lifelong music lover, Nancy played the French horn, accordion, and piano, and cherished her time in the choir.

Nancy graduated from Greene High School in 1967 and went on to pursue her passion for education at the University of Northern Iowa, earning a degree in Elementary Education in 1971. Her dedication to teaching led her to New Hampton, Iowa, where she spent over 40 years inspiring young minds as a third and fourth grade teacher.

On April 21, 1973, Nancy found her love forever, marrying Steven David Simerson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They built a life together and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April of 2023.

Nancy’s passion extended beyond the classroom walls. She was actively involved with advocating for the salaries and benefits of teachers in her local AFSCME Teacher’s Union. A strong believer in Democratic values, she actively worked to get out the vote. In her retirement, she continued serving her community with the Nineteenth Amendment Society, supporting the Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home near Charles City, Iowa. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for many years.

Nancy’s love for her family was boundless. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Steven D. Simerson (July 1949-February 16, 2024), and her parents, James and Patricia Tefft. She leaves behind her two children, Jeremey Simerson (wife Jamie Simerson) of Osage, Iowa, and Stacie Merta (partner Joseph Hilgendorf) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, whom she loved immensely. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren, Avery Merta, Aiden Merta, Jaylyn Simerson, and Jovie Simerson. Nancy cherished her close bond with her sisters, Jeanette Brezina (Johnny Brezina deceased) of Papillion, Nebraska, and Mary Jane Ross (Dennis Ross) of Greene, Iowa. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials in Nancy’s honor can be sent to the Nineteenth Amendment Society supporting the Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home in Charles City, Iowa (2379 Timber Ave, Charles City, Iowa 50616).

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.