Don E. Simler, 73, of Monroe, passed away peacefully in front of family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison on Thursday morning, November 16, after a long-fought battle with ongoing health issues. Stemming back to an unsuccessful rotator cuff surgery in 1994 that led to his paralysis, Don has persevered through injuries and illness to have a warm and fulfilling life. Prior to his injury, he enjoyed a long career at both Faith Trucking and Philips Furniture and Appliance of Monroe.
He was born in Freeport, IL and moved to Monroe with his family when he was a teenager. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1968. Family meant everything to him and that is what guided his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marcia (they celebrated their anniversary on 11/7); his two sons, Jackson (Haley) of Monroe and Joseph (Courtney) of Tampa, FL; his grandchildren, Rylie and Garrett of Monroe, and Jace and Jett of Tampa, FL; his sister, Vikki of New London, WI and her kids, Rob Schmitz and Aria Norris; and Beverly Bittner of Fountain Hills, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruthella Simler of Monroe, and his brother, Randy, of Fountain Hills, AZ.
Don enjoyed his days landscaping and working around the house and spending time with his dog, Axl. He and Marcia took many vacations to see the world, highlighted by trips to Italy, Switzerland and Dubai. His favorite trips included going to Daytona Beach, FL and Cancun with his family when the boys were young. Don absolutely loved supporting his family and this meant many hours at the Sugar River Raceway, where Jackson has worked for over 23 years, watching Jackson, Rylie and Garrett race go-karts. It also meant attending several NFL football games, as Joseph has worked for the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the past 15 years. This was highlighted by a family trip to Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, TX and an invite to the Packers Super Bowl ring ceremony in June of 2011.
Don helped lighten any room he was in with his humor and will be missed by so many family and friends. His family will always remember his avid love of all things Star Trek, driving his Corvette and eating a good old-fashioned chocolate malt.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held Saturday, November 25th, 2023 at 11am at the Clarno Zion United Methodist Church (W5292 County Rd P, Monroe, WI 53566). A reception will be held following the service at Koning Maple Lane Event Center (N3051 State Hwy 81, Monroe, WI 53566). A visitation will be held Friday, November 24th, 2023, from 4-7pm at the Newcomer Funeral Home (1329 31st Ave, Monroe, WI 53566). A memorial fund will be established in Don’s name for the Clarno UMC. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
