Rosman Funeral Home
http://www.rosmanfunerahome.com
Kirby Dalton Simpson passed peacefully in his home on August 28, 2024, with his wife and daughter at his side. Kirby was born on August 17, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Keith & Kathyrn Simpson.
While in high school, Kirby worked on his Uncle's farm. Kirby also participated in ROTC during his junior and senior years of high school. He graduated from Whitewater High School in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Post high school, Kirby remained in the Army for eight years and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crisis. Post honorable discharge from the Army, Kirby began working at Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, Illinois. He retired from Chrysler after thirty-one years of employment. While working at Chrysler in the 1970's and 1980's, Kirby also would scuba dive in Lake Geneva and Delavan Lake while he installed and removed piers. Kirby built two homes in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Then in 1972, Kirby was introduced to the love of his life, Linda, by mutual friends (Paul & Gretchen Dixon). Kirby and Linda married on September 22, 1972. The couple sold their individual homes and built their family home in Newark Township, Wisconsin. While living in Newark Township, Kirby constructed an outbuilding and two garages on the property as well as fashioning a beautiful bridge to cross the creek that ran through the property.
His daughter, Nicole, was the apple of his eye and he was so proud of all her achievements. Kirby was there to celebrate his daughter's successes but more importantly was there to offer support during the challenges of life. However, his ultimate pride and joy came later in life when his sole grandchild, Dayle, was born. Kirby was instrumental in Dayle's entire life and the adoration he felt for Dayle was reciprocated. Kirby taught Dayle how to swim and how to ride a bike. From the age of three until she was sixteen, he and Linda drove Dayle to school. He was more than just an amazing grandfather for Dayle, he was a role model for how we should each treat one another and emulated what a father should be to his child. He missed not one of either of his Simpson girl's activities over his lifetime.
During retirement, Kirby & Linda were known for traveling around the globe. Some of their trip destinations included California, the East Coast, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia & Tasmania. Kirby was a man of many hobbies. He has passed on his love for reading to both Nicole & Dayle. He was an avid coin collector, a hobby train enthusiast, and amassed a collection of farm toys and cars. By trade Kirby was a welder and highly creative, so he found a suitable retirement hobby in making lawn ornaments from everyday items. He was well known at craft fairs for his unique creations. He and Linda spent many summer days at craft fairs with his creations. He also created the Miller that stands to greet you as you enter the Kaufman Country Store in Newark Township. But none of these hobbies held a candle to his home away from home, the Beckman Mill in Rock County, Wisconsin. From 1990 until he became ill in 2022 if Kirby wasn't with his family, you could assume he was at the Beckman Mill. He was essential to the resurrection of the Mill into the treasured county park it is today. Over the years he served as the Vice-President, President, and on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Beckman Mill. Additionally, Kirby crafted a replica of the Beckman Mill in his basement that was built from wood salvaged from the actual Mill. This replica remains on display at the Beckman Mill's Cooperage.
Kirby is survived by his wife, Linda Simpson, his daughter, Nicole (Chris Rasmussen) Simpson, granddaughter, Dayle Simpson, sister, Karen Simpson, sister in-laws, Kathy and Shirley Jennings & Virgina Simpson and many nieces & nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
Kirby is preceded in death by his parents, Keith & Kathyrn Simpson, father and mother-in-law, Roderick & Norma Jennings, brothers, Ronald & Jerry Simpson, and brother in-laws, Kevin & Tracy Jennings.
Per Kirby's wishes there will be no funeral at this time.
In leu of gifts to the family, donations can be made to the Beckman Mill, Beloit Memorial Heart Hospital, and Beloit Hospice. Finally, a huge thank you to Beloit Hospice, Dr. Tolentino, Dr. Egbujiobi, and his best friend, John Horvath.
Rosman Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.Rosmanfuneralhome.com 608-364-4477.
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