Obit: Simenson, James LeRoy (1921 - 2006)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Simenson, Severson, Patton, Weeks, Potter, Watz, Meier, Austad, Henke

----Sources: Post Crescent (Appleton, Wis.) 12 February 2006

Simenson, James LeRoy (27 April 1921 - 9 Feb. 2006)

James L. Simenson, age 84, went home to be with his Lord, Thursday morning, February 9, 2006. A man with deep love for wife, family, church, country and friends. These words represent who our dad, Jim Simenson was. Born April 27, 1921 in Wimbledon, North Dakota to his parents Oliver and Anna (Severson) Simenson. Graduated from Blair, WI, High School and in 1942 was drafted to serve our country for 4 years, under the command of General George Patton. Was honored with 2 purple hearts. In 1948, he married Mary Weeks in Blair, WI. They moved to Neillsville in 1956 and divorced in 1967. Five children were born into this union.

In the spring of 1970, Dad married his "Babe," Doris Potter, a mother of five. Dad and Mom were able to blend two families as one through their strength of character, deep faith, wise counsel, unconditional love and LOTS of patience. In 1983, Dad retired from Northern States Power Company after 37 years of service. This enabled the folks 10 years of travel to their favorite spot: Las Cruses, New Mexico. He served on the church board, was a Cub Scout leader, lifetime member of Neillsville's VFW, and he and Mom were mentors to so many. January 2002, they moved to Appleton, WI. We, and many others have been blessed by Dad's skillful woodworking projects, his friendship over a cup of coffee or by the campsite, his sense of humor during a card game, his laughter over one of Mom's good stories, or his cheer from watching a good ball game.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris of 35 years, a sister Clarice Simenson and his parents.

He is survived by his children: Joy (Richard) Forrest, New Richmond, WI; Paul Simenson, Anepeny, Iowa; Joseph Simenson, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Anita Simenson, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Marilee (Patrick) Watz, Rhinelander, WI; David (Elie) Potter, Carnation, WA; Daniel (Peggy) Potter, Sedona, AZ; Thomas (Nancy) Potter, Waunakee, WI; Timothy (Ann) Potter, Appleton, WI; Lisa (Douglas) Meier, Hatton, ND; 22 grandchildren, a great granddaughter, a sister, Vera (Burton) Austad and her family, many special friends and relatives.

Funeral services for James will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2006, with visitation 1 hour prior to service at BETHANY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 530 West Parkway Blvd, Appleton, with Reverend Mark Henke officiating. There will also be a visitation, on Monday, at ST. JOHN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, Hwy Business 10 in Neillsville, WI, from 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. A military honors gravesite service will be held immediately after at the Neillsville City Cemetery.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME

537 North Superior Street

Appleton 920-739-1231