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Obituary for Charles J. Simon


Charles J. Simon, 93, of Onalaska, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021, at his home. Chuck was born August 21, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Nicholas and Hazel (Corbin) Simon. Chuck joined the United States Navy at the age of 16 and served our country in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theater. Chuck was injured in 1947 when a fire broke out on his patrol boat while stationed in the San Francisco Bay. While recovering in the hospital, Chuck met a telephone operator that connected him to home and also introduced him to the love of his life, Mary Ellen Anderson. Upon returning home, Chuck and Mary had their first meeting at the Avalon Ballroom that culminated in marriage on December 9, 1950. Chuck loved life and had many passions and interests, including fishing and hunting, golf and reading. In his parenting years, Chuck loved working with the scout organization; leading adventurous expeditions down the Brule River on rafting float trips and watching his kids participate in sports as one of their biggest fans. Chuck had an incredible work ethic and worked in several skilled trades, including coast to coast over the road truck driver, residential home carpenter and finishing his career in retirement working for 20 years for Festival Foods as a custom carpenter. At the age of 82, Chuck retired and rekindled his love of golf and became a faithful member of the Coulee Golf Bowl where he spent every morning (except Sunday) with his golf buddies. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen (Anderson) Simon; his parents, Nicholas John and Hazel Mae (Corbin) Simon; brothers, Jack Lyle Simon and Robert Nicholas Simon; and sister, Patricia Ann Seiler. Survivors include his sons, Michael George (Patty) Simon and Steven John (Rita) Simon; his daughter, Kimberly Sue (Christopher) Butler; grandchildren, Jamie (John) Linkowitz, Denise Simon, TJ (Esther) Simon, Kaitlyn Simon (Luke Fritz), Andrew Simon (Ben Larson), Grant Butler (Morgan Wittrig), and Jordenne Butler (Noah Fredrickson); and great-grandchildren, Darien Simon, Olivia Miller, Hunter Simon, Quinlin Linkowitz, and Kyah Simon. Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 23, 2021, at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 N. Salem, Rd., La Crosse. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. The funeral service will be open to the public; however, it may also be viewed via live-stream through the funeral home's Facebook page. Private burial will follow in Onalaska City Cemetery with military honors by the Struck-Klandrud American Legion Post 336 of Onalaska and the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard. A visitation will be from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service, Saturday, at the church. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, social distancing and facial coverings will be required. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, La Crosse, is assisting the family with arrangements.