Eugene (Gene) Simonson, 85, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully June 20, 2019. He was born June 23, 1933 in Fond du Lac, WI. to Odin and Rebecca Simonson. Eugene graduated from Sparta High School in 1951. In 1955 after leaving Sparta, WI, Gene joined the United States Navy where he received electrical training. While enlisted Gene met his first wife, Carol Knuth, and together they had two sons Dave and Jim. After leaving the Navy he apprenticed at Beloit Corporation. From there he went to Barber-Colman and became an electrical engineer. In those years Gene met his second wife, Mary Ruckert, and together they had one daughter, Sally. He later met his third wife, Barbara (Barb) Jones (Heck), together they share 7 children.
After 30 devoted years at Barber-Colmon, Gene retired. During their retirement Gene and Barb enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, and RVing. They also loved spending time with his brothers and sisters and their families at the annual family reunion. They always supported their grandchildren in each of their extra-curricular events. Gene loved to be the one behind the camera capturing every precious moment so they could cherish them forever. Gene also devoted his time to St. Paul Lutheran church of Rockford. Where he was an honorary treasurer and took pride in volunteering to help with the churches finances. Eugene Simonson will always be brought to mind for his strength and devotion to his brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His love for all technology and Beef-a-Roo, and his dedication, to the greatest team of all time, the Green Bay Packers will be thought of fondly.
Gene was a quiet, kind, hard working, and sometimes stubborn man. He will be deeply missed. He is finally free from the pain and suffering he has endured for so many years. May he rest in peace with his wife, Barb, where they are now reunited once again.
He is survived by his brothers; Gerald Simonson, Jim (Gini) Simonson, Knut (Judy) Simonson; his sisters; Mary (Don) Hanson, Ruth (Dean) Schmalz. His Children; Dave Simonson, Jim (Julie) Simonson, Sally (Doug) Eggemeier, Mike Jones, Sandra (Scott Strickland) Andrews, Steve (Susan) Jones, Cheryl Brady, as well as 16 grandchildren and 12great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Odin and Rebecca Simonson, his brothers; Robert Simonson, Leroy Simonson. And his wife; Barbara Simonson.
A visitation for Eugene is scheduled for Friday, June 28 at 9:00am with a funeral service to follow at 10am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4881 Kilburn Ave, Rockford, IL, 61101. Followed by a luncheon at the church and an entombment service at 2pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL 61115.
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