Kathleen Diane Siminow, 80, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2026, at Sheboygan Aurora Hospital of a massive stroke. She was born in Sheboygan, on February 20, 1945, to Walter and Elsa (Pinnecker) Hake. Her parents preceded her in death.
Kathy grew up in Sheboygan. Her father owned Diamond Printing Company. She attended Trinity Lutheran school and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1963. In 1965 she graduated with an associate degree in business from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri earning a Curator’s Award for academic excellence.
Her first employment was at the University of Missouri mathematics department. From there she went to the Missouri State Teachers Association, where she worked in the insurance field. Returning to Sheboygan, she worked as a legal secretary for Chase, Olsen, Klost & Gundersen. She took a position at Lightfoot School as secretary for Special Education for 10 years and then worked for 14 years at the Sheboygan School District.
Kathy was married to James Minor in July 1965. They had a very “special daughter” Jennifer, born to them on September 5, 1968. Kathy married John Siminow in 1981. For the last 36 years, Kathy has lived with the “love of her life”, Dennis Leffin. They shared a sense of humor, a love of music, and helping those less fortunate, but more important a friendship and love for each other.
Dennis and Kathy enjoyed spending winters in Sun City Center, Florida for 21 years. They enjoyed traveling to 45 countries in the world. They enjoyed traveling to Russia, South Africa, Germany, South America and Australia and New Zealand with Randall and Judy. They also traveled with Tom and Deb Morrelle.
Kathy was active in the Jr. Woman’s Club, now known as the “Out-to-lunch” group and enjoyed playing mahjong with friends.
Kathy is survived by her daughter Jennifer Minor, her only sibling, her “older” brother Randall Hake and his wife Judy. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Trent Hake and his children; Amanda Hake (Donald) Conrad of Kaukauna, Colton (Jennifer) Hake of Sheboygan, Tanner Hake of Los Angeles, CA, and Logan Hake of Kaukauna, nephew Drew (Laura) Hake of Sheboygan Falls, and their children, Quinn Hake of Sheboygan Falls and Trey Hake of Tampa, FL, and nephew Tyler Hake of Sheboygan Falls, great- great nieces and nephews; Deacon, Wells and Banks Conrad of Kaukauna, and Charles and Lucy Hake of Sheboygan Falls. Kathy is also survived by Dennis Leffin and his son Brian Leffin and friend Sherry Campbell and her son James. Her special cousin Karen Dahmer and special friends Mary Glueckstein, Tom & Deb Morrelle, Bob & Sharon Hall, and Darleen & Bryon Zimmerman. Happy Travels Kathy! Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and niece Heidi Hake.
A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 Wisconsin Ave., Sheboygan, with Pastor Timothy Mech officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the CHURCH.
A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff in the ICU unit at Sheboygan Aurora. Also thank you to the ambulance service and the paramedics for all their care, compassion and support.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Kathy’s arrangements.
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