Francis “Fran” H. Simon, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Lakehouse Senior Living in Chippewa Falls surrounded by his loving family under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Francis was born February 21, 1934 in Bloomer, the son of Otto and Regina (Braden) Simon. He attended McDonell Central High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home he joined the Army Reserves and completed 21 years of service. He worked at Mason Shoe Mfg. for over 30 years, retiring in 1995.

On April 15, 1961, Francis married Darlene Pederson at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.       

Francis was a member of Notre Dame Church and the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974.

Francis was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with family. In his younger years, he enjoyed softball, basketball, football, camping, hunting and fishing. In his later years, he enjoyed dancing, beekeeping, gardening, selling his honey and produce at the Farmers Market, as well as visiting with customers and fellow vendors. He enjoyed trying his luck at casinos.

Those left to cherish memories of Francis are: three sons, Richard (Lori) Simon of Sterling, IL, Daniel (Suzanne) Simon of Chippewa Falls and William (Laura) Simon of Salem, IA; three daughters, Lori (Paul) Lund of Rice Lake, Julie (Jeffrey) Harter of Waseca, MN and Karen (Gregory) Stoner of Hanover, IN one sister, Cecelia Newman of Chetek; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; as well as a large extended family..

Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene on February 11, 2022; his parents; one brother, Charles Simon; and three sisters, Beverly Simon, Marie Pederson and Antoinette Ludwikoski.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16 at the church.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Francis “Fran” H. Simon were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. David Nowicki was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass server, Mark Birrittella. Interment was in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Malia Stoner. Gift bearers were Mykle Simon and Emily Sisson.

Casket bearers were Kelsey and Kenneth Lund, Ryan, Sonya, and Tyler Simon and Ashley Stoner.