Tommy R. Simonson

PORTAGE – Tommy R. Simonson, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Portage on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy was born on February 28, 1937, in Portage, WI, to Donald and Edna (Briscoe) Simonson. After graduating Portage High School in 1955, Tom joined the Navy from 1956-1960 where he served as a Radar man. Once back on land, he married Patricia “Tykie” Moran on November 11, 1961. At that time, he worked at American Motors and they resided in Milwaukee for several years. In 1962, he moved back to Portage and went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad. In 1965, he went to work as a fireman for Olin Corp at Badger Army Ammunition in Baraboo, WI. Tom retired from Badger in 1999 after 34 years of employment.

Tom was lucky enough to enjoy a long retirement where he occupied his time doing the things he loved best. Fishing, hunting and making memories with his children, grandchildren and finally great-grandchildren. Memories consisting of family gatherings, sitting on “Papa’s” lap while reading books, attending the local Fisherees, tubing at the local beach, being front row at sporting events and, of course, telling all the kids there was a big snake living in the basement, and that a witch lived upstairs in the house behind us. To all of this he would say, “true story”.

Tom is survived by his wife, Tykie Simonson of Portage; 2 daughters, Dawn (Dan) Ableman of Portage and Julie (James Murphy) Paske of Baraboo; 6 grandchildren, Lynzy (Jeremiah) Helm, Jake and Shane Ableman, Rachel and Samantha Behnke and Liberty Paske; 5 great-grandchildren, Brecken, Khloe and MaKinley Helm, Lincoln and Daxon Ableman; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill and Kathy Hilgendorf, Mary “Emmy” Raimer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and great friends including special friend, Jay Ziehmke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dawn Simonson; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Art Jones; his in-laws, Rocky and Mary Moran; long time hunting and fishing buddies, Joe Fahey and Dint Tessman.

Per Tom’s request, there will be no services at this time.

The family would like to thank Dr. Randy Krsjzjaniek and his staff for their exceptional care and support; also the nurses at the SSM Specialty Clinic in Baraboo who treated him so well. We would also like to thank SSM Home Health and Hospice that assisted the family on two different occasions.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.