Sally A. Simmons

1962 - 2025

Sally A. Simmons

January 31, 1962 - August 13, 2025

Sally Ann (Tomascak) Simmons

Sally A. Simmons, age 63, died unexpectedly on August 13, 2025; the day before the 32nd Anniversary of her marriage to husband Paul. Sally was born January 31st , 1962 in Minneapolis to Doris (Ekberg) Tomascak and Joseph Tomascak. She was raised as the youngest of five in New Brighton, MN. Sal graduated from Irondale High school, then attended St. Cloud State University for two years. She dropped out to marry and began a career in customer service with Target and then other office management positions.

She met her current husband, Pastor Paul Simmons, in Anoka at an interfaith Volleyball game. Something clicked and three years later – Paul was slow to recognize what he had - they married August 14th, 1993 at Zion Lutheran in Anoka. She supported her husband at Luther Seminary as she worked at the USGS in Mounds View.

When Paul graduated, they moved to Page, ND where he had received a call. Her first winter in ND was in 1996-97. She learned how to drive in blizzards and operate a snow blower more than she ever planned. In Page, at Our Savior Lutheran and at home, she indulged in her quilting obsession, accumulating quilts and an extensive material inventory. On Prairie Public Television she demonstrated for viewers making her signature French Silk Pie. Also she learned how to drive combines, beet carts and grain trucks. She held her days in Page, Ayr and Hope as precious memories keeping contact with many through social media.

On June 4th, 1997 Sally and Paul brought home twin boys, Bryan and Nathan. They were and still are the joy of Sally's and Paul's life. She absolutely loved being a mother, creating a wonderful home for children and husband. She dutifully and resolutely hauled Bryan and Nathan to all sporting events; even coached Bryan and Nathan's soccer team.

After 12 ½ years in Page (and Ayr and Hope) Sally and her family moved to Ashland in 2009, where Paul had taken a call to Saron Lutheran. After moving to Ashland she first worked at Anna Marie Design but soon found a job as Mt. Hope Cemetery Administrator where she worked happily until her death. Sally insisted on a home with enough yard for the boys to play catch and not damage the house so we moved from Chappel Avenue to the suburb of Gingles and built. Sally did the tiling of the floors and bathrooms and the inside painting. She was both artistic and precise; and demanding. Sally absolutely loved to cook and bake. She collected many, many recipes and many, many cooking utensils and gadgets - but it was well worth it.

Sally is survived by her husband Paul, sons Nathan in Wausau and Bryan in Green Bay; a brother, James Tomascak in Fridley; a sister Nancy Giancola in Brook Park MN and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Jane Huhtala and a brother, Paul Tomascak.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Saron Lutheran Church in Ashland, WI with Rev. Dale Chesley as officiant. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., at the church, and continue until the hour of service. A luncheon will follow the Memorial Service in the church social hall.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.