Mr. Simonsen was born on November 13, 1922 in Marshfield, WI to Rev. Otto C. Simonsen and Edith N. Jackisch (Simonsen.) He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Junction City, WI in 1922. He married Mary Joan Pyle on August 31, 1947, in Kewanee, IL.
Mr. Simonsen lived in Michigan City IN from 1980-2009. Prior to that he lived in Winfield, IL from 1966-1979. He retired from Triton College as Executive Vice President in 1979 and from Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, Indiana as Director of Education in 1990.
He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942 serving in the Ferrying Command, then in the Army Specialized Training Program at the University of Georgia. He completed his army career in the 10th Armored Division which was involved in four major engagements in Europe including the Battle of the Bulge.
Mr. Simonsen grew up in Pontiac, IL, graduating in 1940 from Pontiac Twp. High School. He graduated with a B.S.(’48) and M.S. (’50) in Industrial Education from Bradley University, Peoria, IL. His first teaching position was at East High School in Aurora IL. He served as president of the East Aurora Teacher’s Association, Chairman of the Industrial Arts and Home Economics department, Director of Vocational and Adult Education, and chaired numerous association committees.
He was one of the founding members of Triton College in River Grove, IL. He was the founding president of the Phi Delta Kappa professional education fraternity and Franklin Park Rotary Club. He retired as Executive Vice President in 1979.
He was a 20 year member of, and past Flotilla Commander of, the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Michigan City, IN, retiring in 2010. He was chairman of Phase II Simeon Square Retirement Center, Michigan City, IN. He was Boy Scout Troop Chairman for 10 years. Other interests include member involvement in Optimist Club.
Mr. Simonsen was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod serving as Sunday School teacher and Bible Study Class Leader for 77 years. He chaired numerous other church committees and boards during his life.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, who lives in Huntley. Other survivors include one daughter, Holly (Frank) Candella, and two sons, Rodney (Leah) Simonsen, and Todd (Maria) Simonsen. There are six grandchildren, Allison Klocke, Jonathan Klocke, Carolyn Klocke, Kaitlyn Simonsen, Stacia Simonsen, and Jami Simonsen, and 2 great- grandsons, Dominic and Cameron Carrillo. Stepchildren include David Rodriguez and family and Amina McIntyre and family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 Church Street, Huntley. Burial will be in Huntley Cemetery. Memorial contributions should be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN. or donor’s choice.
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Dear cousins, Thanks for the obit. I learned a lot. I always enjoyed being around Gordon. & Mary Jo. The world has lost a great Christian and a great Lutheran. But his time here was well spent, I am sure you would agree. Mary Jo, gather your kids around you --I know they are very supportive for you and during earlier crises. What else can I say, but I am praying for you--and thanking God for a life well lived. Love, cousin Elizabeth, Hank & Becky Miller, Bill & Mollie Beutler and Cliff.
There are no words to describe the loss of Gordon and I can only state the obvious. It was rare that he and or Mary Jo ever missed a family gathering or event and you could see that he lived to be around everyone. You could feel the warmth and sincerity in every hug and handshake; even in just saying your name when greeting you with his smile. Truly on of the most genuine persons I have had the pleasure of knowing. His family has been his bond and his faith was the his being. It will be difficult not having him around but one thing is certain he is definitely smiling down on us from above and I can only pray that we will meet again. He will forever be missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him. We love you Gordon. David, Yoli, and Venessa
There are no words to describe the loss of Gordon and I can only state the obvious. It was rare that he and or Mary Jo ever missed a family gathering or event and you could see that he lived to be around everyone. You could feel the warmth and sincerity in every hug and handshake even in just saying your name when greeting you with his smile. Truly on of the most genuine persons I have had the pleasure of knowing. His family has been his bond and his faith was the his being. It will be difficult not having him around but one thing is certain he is definitely smiling down on us from above and I can only pray that we will meet again. He will forever be missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him. We love you Gordon. David, Yoli, and Venessa
I am saddened to here my friend has passed away.Our loss ,Gods gain.I can never thank him and Mary enough for what they done for me in my time of need.Gordan believed in me when no one else did.To this day I work hard to prove him right. God bless you Mary and family,our prayers are with you.
Dear Holly and family, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Your father was special and very well-respected by all. Holly, our fun times in Admissions at Triton College is fondly remembered. God bless you and your family at this difficult time... Susan Suzi Misasi Maratto smarattotriton.edu
I am saddened to hear of Gordons passing. His son Todd is my Godfather. Gordon and Mary Jo watched me grow up, get married and have children of my own, and always made sure to tell me and my daughter, just how well she behaved in church that day. He will be dearly missed.
Mary Jo and Family, So sorry to hear about Gordon's passing. It was a shock to read it, as I am in Florida for the winter. I have fond memories of Gordon's dedication to the Lord and His house. He lead by example for anyone who knew him. My heartffelt sympathy to you all as I know you will miss him and many of us will too. God's peace to you all.
we were so sorry to read of gordon's passing; he was a great man.but know that he is in a better place and you will join him some day. take good care, bill & jane
My thoughts and prayers are with the Simonsen family. I was a student and a new employee at Triton when Mr. Simonsen was VP in the late 70's. He was a great educator and a down to earth person; greeting everyone with a smile and mutual respect. Triton owes him a great deal of graditude as he was a great administrator! When I think of my years at Triton, Mr. Simonsen was one of those great leaders who had the vision in molding the college. May your memories bring you peace and comfort and God's everlasting love.
Mary Jo, We were so saddened to find out of Gordons passing. You and Gordon were an inspiration to us. Your relationship with each other and your devotion to God set a wonderful example to those who know you Please pass on our condolences to your family. May God be with you to help you when you are grieving but also bless you with the memories that you have of your life together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary Jo... Love, Kevin and Robin Devereaux
Our family was fortunate to know the Simonsens as we were neighbors when they lived on Garden Trail in Michigan City. My father actually built that house so it always had a special place in my heart. I was so grateful that someone as special as the Simonsens lived there. No matter who lives in that house from now on, it will always be the Simonsens house to us! We were amazed how far away from home we would see Mr. Simonsen walking, getting his exercise! And our children would spot him and wave. It was very obvious that their family was very close as they spoke with love and pride about each one. We wish the Simonsen family our deepest condolences on the loss of their loved one.