Alice Mary Simmons

Alice Mary Simmons, 86, of Rhinelander, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at her home with her family at her side.

Alice was born in Rhinelander on February 24, 1937, to Clifford and Zada (Moore) Smith. Raised in Rhinelander,

Alice graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1955. One of her many proud moments came in 1995 when at the age of 60, she earned an Applied Science Degree in Office Administration as an Executive Assistant.

Alice was united in marriage on April 27, 1957, to Donald Simmons, they were the first couple married at St. Joseph Catholic Church. 

The couple made their home in Rhinelander and chose to immediately start what would become a family of eight children. While the role of mother and homemaker was always her number one job, Alice also served the community for many years as a waitress at the White Stag and several other area restaurants. She later was employed as a CNA at the Jolly Fisherman, caring for and assisting the mentally handicapped. She was also employed with the DMV and as well as Experience Works, where she assisted other senior citizens in finding employment. 

Wherever Alice worked, she will be remembered for her kind and compassionate nature, sense of humor, and positive outlook.

Alice was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, TOPS Club, and she enjoyed countless activities the ADRC offered such as fishing, pontooning, and weekly games of mahjongg. Her most recent passion was making cards in her Stampin’ Up craft room. 

In her earlier years she had been a member of the Kegler’s womens bowling league; and couples snowmobile club. 

She was known for being an avid swimmer, having taught all her children to swim. She learned to hunt from her father and enjoyed doing so with her brothers and husband for many years. 

More than anything Alice loved the time she spent with her grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grand kids! Surviving are her children, Shelly (Bob) Hilliard, Kenneth (Stephanie) Simmons, Connie (Greg) Skubal, Susie (Tim) Block, James (Susan) Simmons, Tracey Simmons, and a son-in-law, Clint Pepper. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Patricia Raske, brother-in-law, George Westman, and her four-legged companion {and her baby), “Buddy”. 

Alice is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that were so dear to her heart. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Zada Smith; sister, Lillian (George) O’Brien, brother, James (Ruth) Smith, sister, Delores Westman, brother, Richard (Rose) Smith, sister, Marjorie (Joseph) Gechas, husband, Donald Simmons, brother-in-law, Keith Raske, and daughters, Laurie Long and Mary Lou Pepper.

The visitation for Alice will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, located at 125 E. King Street, from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. Memorial Mass. 

Fr. Chris Kemp will officiate. 

Following the service, a luncheon will take place in the school gymnasium.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. 

Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at http://www.hildebrandrussfh.com.