Roger G. Simonsen

Roger G. Simonsen, age 94, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Veteran’s Home, Town of Dover. Roger was born in Racine, May 6, 1921, son of the late Fredrick and Jedine (Nee: Loronzen) Simonsen.

During World War II Roger served in the United States Navy and was privileged to take part in the Honor Flight in 2012. On May 6, 1946 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Leone Kawa. Roger was employed by Poulsen Machine Company as a tool and die maker and absolutely loved his profession. He was last employed by Reliance Controls, retiring at the age of 84. Roger was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and member of the Racine Curling Club, where he made many long lasting friendships. A talented musician, he loved playing the organ, accordion, giving music lessons, and was a member of the Racine Barber Shop. Not only was Roger very proud of his Danish heritage, but more than anything he cherished time spent with his family.

Survivors include his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Leone; his children, Sally (Frank) Graceffa of Norway, Sue (Tom) Davis of Berlin Heights, OH; his son-in-law, Jaing Ping “J.P.” Liu of FL; his grandchildren, Nicholas Graceffa, Kelly (Gene) Cantu, Hannah Davis; his great-grandchildren, Ayliah Cantu, Issac Cantu, Weston Smith, Khloe Cantu, Mila Cantu; sister-in-law, Theresa Kawa of Racine; niece, Sandra (Donald) Metazevich of Ocala, FL; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jane Simonsen; brother, Wilfred (Joyce) Simonsen; and sister, LaVerne Ogren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 25, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Memorials to the family have been suggested as a tribute in Roger’s name will be established at a later date.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Boland Hall 2 East for their loving and compassionate care.