George Frank Simons

George F. Simons, age 92, of De Pere, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015. George was born in Reek, Holland on February 20, 1923 to the late Frank and Antonia (Van Boekel) Simons. His family first lived in Little Chute after moving from Reek, Holland. George married Irene R. Dombrowicki on August 28, 1948 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Seymour. Together they celebrated 66 years of marriage. He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. George owned and operated Simons Fairplay Cheese Factory from 1950 until it closed in 1964. Later on he worked for Nicolet Paper Company, retiring at age 62. Among his many talents, he self-taught himself to play the harmonica and later the accordion. He enjoyed family camping and fishing trips, music, tinkering on small engines, and working with automobiles. He raised chickens, and was an avid gardener. He gave much of his time volunteering with the Christian Outreach and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. George and Irene enjoyed attending the baseball, softball, soccer games and recitals of their grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Irene, children: Ken (Patricia), Gene (Sue), Steve (Jody), Dan (Karen), Mary (Larry) Carpenter and Randy (Jill); grandchildren: Jessica (Paul) Pellitier, Keith (Jenny) Agamaite, Matt (Betsy), Katie (Tim) Wild, Keith, Emily, Paul (Kristin), Lisa (fiancé Jeremy Jasicki), Leah Carpenter, Kevin and Kelly; great-grandchildren: Jax, Austin, Colton, Peighton, Calleigh, Adeline, Brielle, Bailey, Trent, Quinn and a sister Nellie Shillcox of Kaukauna. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Antonia, two sisters: Marie (Jim) Hodkiewicz and Grace (Vince) Huss, brother-in-law Grant Shillcox, and a brother Joe (Katie) Simons,great-grandchildren Pumpkinseed Simons and Briggs Agamaite. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Avenue, De Pere, on Sunday, May 3, from 3:00pm until 7:00pm. A parish prayer service will be held at 7:00pm Sunday evening. Visitation will continue on Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St, De Pere, from 9:30am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with the Rev. Judah Pigon, MF officiating. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in George’s name. The family would like to thank Ben Hermans and the De Pere Rescue Squad for their comforting assistance.

Reception:
The Fr. Tony Dolski Parish Center
220 S. Michigan St.
De Pere, WI 54115