CROSS PLAINS - Lois Marie (Matthias) Fitzsimmons, 80, of Cross Plains, Wis., passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 16, 1945, to Agatha (Malchow) and Romaine Matthias in West Point, Neb.

She graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1963 and married Dennus on October 22, 1966, in Highland, Wis. She earned a diploma in nursing from Madison General School of Nursing in 1966. A devoted and skilled nurse, she spent many years caring for others in the Emergency Department, in Employee Health at Meriter Hospital, and assisting in setting up the Community Care Clinic in Cross Plains. Her nursing career was defined by her compassion, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to the well-being of her patients and colleagues.

Lois was a kind and generous woman dedicated to serving others. Whether through her professional work or countless hours of volunteering, she always made time to care for those in need. She gave her time and heart to many community organizations, including Agrace HospiceCare, Northwest Dane Senior Center, RSVP of Dane County, and many others. She served as an election official for the Town of Berry, where she certified elections. She was also active in 4-H as a child and an adult mentor.

She was an active and faithful member of St. John/St. Paul Lutheran Church in Marxville, where she sang in the church choir, managed the church newsletter for 12 years, and served on the church council. Her love for learning and connection was reflected in her 25 years with her beloved book club. She found joy in the simple pleasure of attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, playing euchre, and finding treasures at garage sales. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and community.

Lois is survived by her husband, Dennus Fitzsimmons; her children, Christian and Elizabeth (Schroeder) Fitzsimmons, Heather (Fitzsimmons) and Bryan Rubenalt; grandchildren, Ryan and Maggie (Connelly) Fitzsimmons, Samantha Rubenalt, Lauren (Fitzsimmons) and Jordan Jones, and Jessica Rubenalt and fiancé, Zachary Bain; and great-grandchild, Ciaran Fitzsimmons; as well as her brother, John Matthias; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Agatha (Malchow) Matthias; her father, Romaine Matthias; her mother-in-law, Eva (Gorder) Fitzsimmons; her father-in-law, Edgar Fitzsimmons; and her brother, James Matthias.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the UW Health-Oncology and Radiation teams and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care for Lois. We also want to thank all the friends and family who supported us during this time.

A memorial service will be held at ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (MARXVILLE), 8748 State Road 19, Mazomanie, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday September 3, 2025, with the Rev. Kathi Risley presiding. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral & Cremation Care from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. John/St. Paul Lutheran Church, Agrace HospiceCare, or Northwest Dane Senior Center in Lois’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141

Lois Marie Fitzsimmons

February 16, 1945 - August 23, 2025

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