Martha Simonson

February 28, 1956 - January 12, 2011

Martha Simonson, 54, of Stratford passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the Van Deist Medical Center in Webster City. Martha was born February 28, 1956, in Clinton, Iowa to Albert and Ruth (Schember) Paysen. She graduated from Camanche High School in 1974 and Iowa State University in 1979. Martha married John Simonson on July 2, 1983, in Clinton, Iowa. She had worked for the past 32 years for the Stratford Community School District as the sixth grade teacher. Martha was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church and the Stratford Education Association of which she was past president. Martha was an avid Iowa State Fan and while attending there she lettered in tennis. She coached middle and high school volleyball, basketball and softball. Martha enjoyed golfing and being with her family. Martha is survived by her husband John of 27 years; her son, Jack of Urbandale; her daughter, Amy of Chicago; her brothers and sisters, Alberta (Dennis) Helmke of Kenosha, WI, Louise (Ken) Larson of Huxley, Howard (Linda) Paysen of Fulton, IL, Darlene Paysen of Clinton and John (Corinne) Paysen of Camanche, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Leonard in infancy, her brother, Ralph; and her sister, Carol. Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Saturday, January 15, 2011, at the Stratford Elementary Gymnasium in Stratford with Pastors Dot Hasler and Gina Spohnheimer officiating. Burial will follow in the South Marion Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be 5-8 P.M. Friday evening at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Martha.