Donald Otis Simley

Simley, Donald O. MONONA-Donald O. Simley, D.D.S., age 88, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at HospiceCare Inc. in Fitchburg, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. He was born on April 28, 1922, in Madison, the son of Otis and Natalie (Frieske) Simley. Donald was a lifelong Madison resident. He graduated from Madison East High School, in 1940, then continued his studies at UW-Madison. Donald graduated from Marquette University in 1945, with a doctorate of dental surgery degree. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Becker, on Dec. 26, 1945. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 until 1947. Donald was an active member of the Wisconsin Dental Association. His dedication continued through the many offices he held, the highest being president of the association. Donald served as an examiner for the Central Regional Dental Testing Service. For more than 26 years, he took great pride in providing dental service for those with special needs and disabilities. Donald was extremely proud to be practicing dentistry with his son for more than 30 years, and truly enjoyed caring for his dental patients for 55 years. He was dedicated to the service he provided to his patients, and created many special friendships. Donald was a member of many dental honor societies, but he was most proud of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon and the Alpha Sigma Nu. He had been active in the Monona community and was very proud of being an 18 gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, golf, racquetball, and simply spending time with his family. Donald is survived by his children, Sue Hughes and Donald (Linda) Simley II, D.D.S.; grandchildren, Deborah Hughes, Michael Simley and Lisa (Jason) Weichert; he was looking forward to the birth of Lisa and Jason's first child and his first great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Blanche Beisler; cousins, Virgil (Gloria) Simley, David (RaeAnn) Simley, and Corine DeWitt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley of 59 years; son-in-law, Roy Hughes; and grandson, Timothy Fern. Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011, with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. The family wishes to express a special thank you to the entire staff at HospiceCare Inc., St. Mary's Hospital (especially 5SW), and Heritage Monona Senior Living for all the care and concern they showed Don and his family. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. Cemetery: Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military rites being conducted. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Service: Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011, with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding.