Leslie G. Simonson

Leslie George Simonson, age 87, of Mt Morris, WI, left this world peacefully and went to live eternally with his Lord and Savior on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Tucson Meadows in Tucson, AZ. He was born on September 23, 1937, in Mt Morris, WI, son of Lyle and Bernice (Thompson) Simonson. On October 28, 1961, Les married Sharon Therese Glover at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the town of Kingston, WI. Together, they raised four wonderful children. Les attended the Waushara County Teachers College, where he met Sharon, and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He served as a public-school teacher and guidance counselor for about 10 years at various school districts in east central Wisconsin prior to attending the Wartburg Theological Seminary in 1970. Upon completing his ministerial training, Les returned to the military and served as a Chaplain (LTC) in the United States Army until his retirement in 1997. He then went on to serve as a Chief Hospital Chaplain with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and obtained a PhD from the California Pacific School of Theology. Les was truly a lifetime student! He lived a life of valor and conviction, leaving an indelible mark on this world. The most comforting news is that he is now reunited with his one and only love, Sharon. Farewell, warrior! Les is survived by his four children, Timothy Dale (Lori) Simonson of Markesan, WI, Philip George (Susan) Simonson of St Pete Beach, FL, Ruth Ann (Ronald) Dethart of Sparta, WI, Erik Paul (Darren Tod) Simonson of Tucson, AZ; seven grandchildren, Leigh Anne (Mike) Brumley, Evansville, WI, Casey George (Merisa) Simonson of St Petersburg, FL, Zachery Dale Simonson, Philadelphia, PA, Courtney Michelle (Brad Sheeley) Simonson, Tampa, FL, Erik Dale Dethart, Onalaska, WI, Veronika Ann Dethart, Madison, WI, and David Kyle Dethart, Sparta, WI; one great-grandchild, Andi Rae Simonson; three siblings, Boyd (Jane) Simonson, Waupaca, WI, Zona (Bryon) Leitch, Sheboygan, WI, and Ingrid (Brian) Corlett, Oshkosh, WI; his sisters-in-law Maureen Price, Roxanne Buchanan and Donna Gatzke; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Sharon, his parents, Lyle and Bernice Simonson; his brother, Lyman; his sisters-in-law Jane Simonson, Colleen McGuiness, Sandy Glover, Janice Glover, Carol Frazer; brothers-in-law, Harley Frazer, Gary Glover, Gerard Glover and Steve Buchanan; and one grandson, Kyle Davis Simonson. A Memorial Service will be held at Mt. Morris Holden Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris, WI, on Saturday, August 30, 2025. An Open Memorial Visitation will commence at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 12:00 Noon. A processional and graveside ceremony will occur immediately after the service. The Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Leslie G. Simonson

September 23, 1937 - June 15, 2025