Charles Thomas Simonson

Charles Thomas Simonson, age 96 of Wautoma died on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Heartland House, Wautoma. He was born on November 18, 1926 in Marion Township, Waushara County to Carl and Charlotte (Ellickson) Simonson. He attended the one room Lovdahl Country School and then graduated from Wautoma High School in 1945. Charles then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp and was stationed in the Philippines at the end of WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He married Doris Gunderson on December 30, 1950 at West Holden Lutheran Church, Wautoma.  Charles worked for 42 years at Speed Queen Laundry Appliance Manufacturing serving as the manager of the Wautoma plant and then transferring to the Ripon plant as a project engineer until his retirement. 

He also worked at Heinz Pickle station, Marvin Weeks Pickle Station, Wautoma outdoor theater and indoor theater and later owned and provided Spanish movies until closing in the early 1970’s. 

Charles was very involved in the community.  He was a volunteer for the Waushara County Historical Society, the Salvation Army, Waushara County Fair, Wautoma Performing Arts Center, Wautoma Board of Appeals, the local AARP, Waushara County Civil Defense in the 1950’s, Sunday school teacher and superintendent at Hope Lutheran Church.  He helped many neighbors and friends doing yard work, painting, and shoveling snow.  If anyone needed help, Charles was always willing to help anyway possible.

            Charles is survived by his wife of 72 years: Doris Simonson; sons: Dale (Deborah), Glen, Clyde (Barbara); three grandsons: Aaron (Courtney), Lucas (Krista), Jarrett (Abigail); granddaughter: Marrissa (Riley); great grandchildren: Zachary, Skyler, Bryce, Brooklyn; brother: John (Jubie) Simonson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Donald Simonson; sister: Vivadell (Clifford) Olsen; sister-in-law: Arvilla (Milton) Thompson and brother-in-law: Milo (Janice) Gunderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Hope Lutheran Church, Wautoma with burial and military honor to follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Wednesday from 9:30AM until the time of services at 11AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to the Waushara County Historical Society in Charles' name.