Richard F. ‘Dick’ Simon, age 85, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, under the care of his family, the nursing home staff, and hospice services.
Dick was born July 24, 1930, in the town of Summit, Langlade County, son of the late Frank and Lena (Steger) Simon. He married Marion Langhoff on April 14, 1956. She survives. Dick graduated from Antigo High School in 1948. During high school, Dick was involved in the F.F.A., and was the champion of the school’s Shuffle Board team. Dick enjoyed playing baseball. He participated in Langlade County’s Baseball League, and in his later years played with ‘Knotty Pine’ in the Potbelly League. Dick was also a former umpire and chief in the Merrill Little League for several years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, dart ball, gardening, playing cards, and attending his grandkids sporting events. Dick was a fan of the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. He delivered Meals on Wheels, and assisted local florists delivering flowers on Valentine’s Day. Dick was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, and the church’s Men’s Club. He was also a member of the Social and Sick Benevolent Society in Merrill. Dick served in the U.S. Army from August 26, 1952 until his honorable discharge on August 25, 1955. He was with the 5th Armored Division and had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Dick was an active member of the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638, and it’s Honor Guard. Dick went on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight on April 27, 2015.
Survivors include his wife, Marion Simon, Merrill; five children, Larry (Phyllis) Simon, Susan Spoehr, Warren (Virginia) Simon, Robert Simon, and Lynette (Dale) Dittmar, all of Merrill; ten grandchildren, Andrew (Jessica) Simon, Christopher (Jenny) Simon, Ginger (Aaron) Osness, Travis (Stephanie) Spoehr, Jesse and Trevor Spoehr, Suzanne and and Stephen Simon, and Brittany and Mitchell Dittmar; five great grandchildren, Devon, Sophie, Easton, Katelyn, and Parker; one brother, Herbert (Mardell) Simon, Merrill; one sister, Louise Zahn, Shawano; his sister in laws, Elaine Simon, Isabelle (Robert) Hoff, Jean (Lawrence) Bubolz, Shirley Borchardt, Clarice (Erwin) Boehm, and Florence (David) Langhoff; his brother in law, Louis Langhoff; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his parents, Dick is preceded in death by a son in law, Mark Spoehr; a great granddaughter, Taylor Osness; his siblings and their spouses, Stephen and Evelyn Simon, Edward Simon, Margaret and Joe Wildman, and Rosalie and Vinol Bergman; and his in laws, Margery and William Klammer -Buffington, Vernette and Milton Kleinschmidt, Geraldine Langhoff, and Lavern Borchardt.
The funeral service will be at 12:30 P.M. Monday, March 28, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Monday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.