Glen Simonis Obituary

Glen M. Simonis, 78, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at his home under the care of his wife and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. 

Glen was born November 6, 1945, in Wausau, son of C. Dean and Gladys (Leitermann) Simonis. Glen was raised in Mosinee and graduated from Mosinee High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1964 and spent four years on U.S.S. Vogelgesang (DD-862) a Gearing-class destroyer. He was a Machinist Mate 3rd Class MM3. He crossed the equator and became a shellback. Glen did a tour to Vietnam that lasted one year. He also did a Mediterranean Cruise with his brother, Chuck, prior to being honorably discharged from service in 1968. More recently, Glen was able to join the honor flight to Washington D.C.

Glen worked as a senior underwriter at Church Mutual Insurance for 29 years and retired in 2006. Glen married Lori Heckendorf on May 1, 1987, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. She survives. Glen and Lori enjoyed traveling, especially visiting the west coast and taking multiple trips to Mexico. Glen was an avid reader. He and Lori enjoyed the technology of a Kindle so they didn’t have to bring a suitcase full of books along on their vacations. 

Glen enjoyed working on various craft projects including counted cross stitch. He won an award for his entry at the Lincoln County Fair. He also enjoyed woodworking and making tie blankets. Glen’s favorite holiday was Christmas: he enjoyed shopping, wrapping gifts, and decorating. He liked bow hunting and rifle hunting. Glen was a Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan. 

Survivors include his wife, Lori Simonis of Merrill; son, Dean Simonis of Wausau; brothers, Charles ‘Chuck’ Simonis of Denver, Colorado and John (Linda) Simonis of Mosinee; brother-in-law, Mark (Beth) Heckendorf of Merrill; and several nieces and nephews. Glen was preceded in death by his parents, C. Dean Simonis and Gladys Simonis Giacalone.

The memorial service for Glen will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. Military funeral honors will take place immediately following the memorial service at church and will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Wednesday at church. Taylor-Stine Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. 

The family recommends you wear you Packer or Badger gear or come in something more comfortable.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstine.com