Photo courtesy of Reiff Funeral Home - Farley
Oct 3, 1927 - Sep 3, 2025
Great uncle Joe was there for many occasions with Virginia you have my deepest sympathy on your loss. I'm a granddauther of Marie and Nick Merfeld, my Mom was Dorothy Tigges
pat even
September 07, 2025 | Cascade, IA
Our condolences to the Simon family. A life well lived.
Ralph & Nancy Gotto
September 06, 2025 | Burnsville, MN
Sorry for your loss of your father, grandfather Lolly Horsfield. Mae Becker sister. Lots of hours throughout the years
Larita Kurt
September 05, 2025 | Monticello, IA
Jeff, sincere sympathy to you, Jenny & your entire family. Your Dad certainly had a great life. May he rest in peace.
Donald& Dorothy Link
September 04, 2025 | Davenport, IA | Friend
Uncle Joe was a wonderful man and uncle. He was always so kind. Happy he is with Virginia again.
Connie Simon
September 04, 2025 | Farley, IA | Family
Joseph L. Simon Sr., 97, of Farley, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa
Visitation for Joe will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa where a KC Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. and a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Monday after 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home in Farley.
A Mass of Christian burial for Joe will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa, with Rev. Steven Garner officiating, assisted by Deacon Jim Koetz. Mass will be live stream on the St. Elizabeth Pastorate Facebook page. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.
He was born on October 3, 1927, on his family farm in Farley, Iowa, son of Joseph and Anna (Schmitt) Simon. He received his education from the St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Farley, Iowa. On August 10, 1950, he was united in marriage to Virginia Coohey at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa. Together they lived on the same family farm their entire marriage for more than 71 years. She preceded him in death on May 14, 2022.
Joe dedicated his life to his family, his community, and the dairy industry. He faithfully served as caretaker of St. Joseph Cemetery for more than 70 years and was a longtime member of the Cemetery Board. In his younger years, he started and operated milk routes to Kraft and later helped establish the Farley Bowling Center, remaining involved in its operation for many years. In 1962, Joe founded Farnear Holsteins, a herd whose genetics became recognized worldwide. His dedication to the dairy and Holstein industry earned him numerous honors throughout his life time.
Joe was a devoted member a member of St. Joseph's Parish, in Farley, and the Knights of Columbus Council #2001 and the 4th Degree Dubourgh Assembly #1573. He also gave his time and leadership to many agricultural and community organizations, including the Dubuque County Dairy Association, Iowa Holstein Association, ISU Extension Council, Iowa Dairy Council Hall of Fame, and 4-H, where he served as a leader and was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Outside of his work and service, Joe enjoyed bowling, playing cards, visiting the casino, listening to music and cheering for the Chicago Cubs. He also loved traveling and attending Holstein events, especially the dairy shows where his family exhibited. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memory are ten children, Dave (Karla) Simon, Gerald (Jackie) Simon both of Farley, Patrick (Valerie) Simon of Lakeville, MN, Tom (Shirley) Simon, Joanne (Steve) Rauen both of Farley, Joe Jr. (Kay) Simon of Epworth, Kathy (Rick) Demmer of Peosta, Jeff (Jenny) Simon, Rick (Jodi) Simon both of Farley, and Julie (Ron) Dougherty of Epworth.
Also, 40 grandchildren, Chad (Josyndia) Simon, Jodi (Pat) Schaapveld, Kevin (Sheila) Simon, Doug (Madison) Simon, Brittany (Joe) Leibfried, Emily (Josh) Dyer, Kaitlin (Dalles Jacobus) Simon, Liz (Tommy) Abin-Donahue, Rachel (Jeff) Metcalf, Mike (Franziska) Simon, Andy (Gloria) Simon, Jeremy (Kristin) Simon, Matt (Kaci) Simon, Mark Simon, Josh (Ashley) Simon, Bill (Molly) Rauen, Tom (Amanda) Rauen, Tim (Jennifer) Rauen, Luke (Kaia) Rauen, Megan (Tony) Moellers, Chris (Krista) Simon-McGuire, Jennifer (Ryan) De Shaw, Kayla (Kevin) Kluesner, Kristy (Ryan) Gibbs, Kyle (Laura) Demmer, Riley (Shelby) Demmer, Rachel (Jake) Eslick, Royce (Alison) Demmer, Regan (Zoe) Demmer, Madison (Fiancé, Houston Sandvold) Simon, Morgan (Jeff Theisen) Simon, Macy Simon, Bethany (Brad) Kruse, Tyler Simon, Adam (Lexie Felderman) Simon, Noah (Fiancé, Josie Deutmeyer) Simon, Ellie Simon, Andy (Fiancé, Jaicie Grecian) Dougherty, Alyssa (Ethan) Brown, and Amanda (Fiancé, Carter Johnson) Dougherty; 71 great grandchildren with two more on the way.
He is also preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Angela Rauen; his siblings, Marie (Nick) Merfeld, George (Mary) Simon, Frances Simon, Ray (Rita) Simon, and Florence (James) Scharff.; a sister-in-law, Velma Lee (Donald) Britt; and a brother-in-law, Donald D. (Eleanor) Coohey.
If you would like to view video tribute or send online condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com
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