Stephen J. Simon

                                                                 1966 photo

Stephen J. Simon, 74, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.  The Funeral Service for Stephen will be 10:30 am Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Father Brian Dellaert officiating and full military honors rendered by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Farley, IA, at a later date.  

Stephen was born August 8, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Raymond "Ray" and Rita Mae (Kotz) Simon. On July 21, 1971, he married the love of his life, Deborah "Deb" L. Travis. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2017.

Stephen enlisted in the United States Army in 1970 where he served as an Military Policeman during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1973. After his time in the service, Stephen worked as Sheriff Deputy for New Vienna & Sherrill and Security Officer for Dubuque County Fairgrounds and Farley Speedway. Most recently, he owned and operated Simon's Pawn Shop until his retirement. Stephen was a member of the American Legion and attended St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. He was a jack of all trades, he really liked helping people and was a social butterfly. Stephen also enjoyed camping and loved the wings at Jimmy's Pub in East Dubuque.

Survivors include his four children, Jim (Kit Keane) Simon of Dubuque; Kim (Neal) Link of Peosta; Tim (Tasha McCormack) Simon of Dubuque; and Kelly (Larry Mathis) Simon of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Preston), Olivia, River, Indie, Larry Jr., Dustin, Brayden, Gavin, Jayden, and Gavin; siblings, Nancy Wernimont, Becky (Mike) Donovan, Mickey (Catherine) Simon, Heidi (Rick) Dean, Teddy (Cheri) Simon, Randy (Cindi) Simon, Penny Simon, and Tami Simon; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steve (Angela) Travis, David Travis, Chris Travis, Vicki (Mike) Sawvell, and Pam (David) Krieg.

Besides his parents and wife, Stephen was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Samantha Link; two siblings, James Simon, and Judy Healy; mother- and father in-law, James & Marcella Travis; brother- and sister-in-law, Jimmy Travis and Linda McMurray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Honor Flight of Dubuque and the Tri-States.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the VA Clinics in Dubuque and Iowa City, especially, nurse Tonya