Anna Marie Simpson

Anna Marie (Kerkhoff) Simpson, age 101 of Freedom, WI passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on August 14th, 2025. The daughter of the late Peter and Dorothy (Liebergen) Kerkhoff was born on October 3rd, 1923 in Wrightstown, WI.

Anna Marie was united in marriage to Earl Simpson at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown, WI on May 6th, 1941. They shared 57 wonderful years together, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 1991. They farmed in the Freedom area and Earl worked for Chicago and Northwestern Transportation while raising eight children together. They were members of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna, WI.

She cherished her long conversations with her children and grandkids and had treasured memories of daily conversations with her sisters, before they passed away. Her family was more important than anything else in her life. She also loved her fur-babies, Benji and Skipper. In earlier retirement, she enjoyed long walks with Earl, ice fishing, playing cards and bowling. Anna Marie also enjoyed her flowers, going up North, visiting family in Minnesota and baking for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She fondly remembered road trips to Mackinac Island, California, Reno, Mexico, Branson, and her son-in-law Ernie giving her personal airplane rides in MN. Anna Marie also was an enthusiastic fan of the Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.

Anna Marie is survived by her seven children, Tom (Jeri) Simpson, Jack Simpson, Sherry (Keith) Simons, Steve Simpson, Barbara Simpson, Gail Simpson, and Lisa (Ernest) Olsen; and her grandchildren, Chris Fowles, Brian Simpson, Jason (Stacy) Simpson, Shane Simons, Velvet Weins, Lance (Teri) Simons, Trista (Ben) Langton, Kara Simpson, and Jeremy (Amanda) Olsen. Anna Marie is also survived by many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and Karen Court, a niece that was like a special daughter to her.

Anna Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Earl in 1998; and son, Donald Simpson in 2015. She was also preceded in death by parents, Peter and Dorothy (Liebergen) Kerkhoff; siblings, Giles (Evelyn) Kerkhoff, Myron (Lucina) Kerkhoff, Ruth (George) Van Rossum, Elmer (Rita) Kerkhoff, and Rose (Norb) Van Rossum; her siblings-in-law, Viola (Jacob) Behle, Carl (Merle) Simpson, Norman (Evelyn) Simpson, George (Gladys) Simpson, Elsie (Bernard) Langenberg, Pearl (Glen) Paeth, Lucille (Robert) Brower, and special in-law friend, Larry Jandrey; and her daughter Barbara's special friend, Glen Maass.

A funeral visitation will be held for Anna Marie from 9-11 AM on Monday, August 25, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer St, Kaukauna, WI 54130 with a mass to follow at 11 AM.  Anna Marie will be laid to rest with her husband, Earl at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI.  

A special thanks to her primary care physician, Dr. Shanthi Joseph, Emergency teams at both Appleton Ascension and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. Also thanks for the quick Emergency response from Teri Simons, Freedom First Responders, Gold Cross Ambulance and Outagamie County police.

Anna Marie used some old song lyrics to say good-by to some of her grandkids on the phone. She would say "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck." Hope you all can feel that "special hug", when you think of her in the future.

Rest in peace and love you much!! Your Children and Grandkids.