Patrick Simonsen was born and raised near Cherokee, Iowa. Growing up in rural Iowa, the Simonsen family always had dogs, inspiring Patrick’s love of animals. Veterinary medicine is a legacy spanning generations of Simonsen patriarchs, including Patrick’s paternal grandfather, great uncle, and great-grandfather. After graduating from Washington High School in Cherokee in 2004, Patrick was first accepted to ISU as an undergraduate, majoring in Zoology with a minor in Animal Science. He advanced to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, adding to the Simonsen Family legacy when he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, Patrick married Kristina, his high school and college sweetheart. He began his career as a small animal veterinarian in southwest Michigan at a companion animal clinic and practiced there for three years prior to moving back to northwest Iowa. In July 2016, Dr. Kristina Simonsen, DC, will be opening Simonsen Chiropractic in LeMars. Both Patrick and Kristina are excited to continue practicing their respective medicines in LeMars. They have been looking forward to moving back to northwest Iowa with their daughter, Lauren. They have one dog, Piper, and a cat, Phoebe.