Robert E. Simon

Simon, Robert E. “Bob” MADISON-Robert E. “Bob” Simon, age 65, entered the Life Eternal on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014. He was born in Black River Falls, Wis., on Dec. 12, 1948, and moved to Waukesha a short while later in 1953. He grew up in Waukesha, attending Whittier Elementary School and Waukesha Central Junior High. In 1964, at the age of 15, Bob joined Milton S. Griswold Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He would go on to serve the Order of DeMolay for the next 50 years, being appointed to its International Supreme Council in 1991 and serving as Executive Officer of Wisconsin DeMolay from 2009-2011. Bob graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1967, and it was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Bonnie. They were married at First Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ in Waukesha on Sept. 12, 1970. Bob and Bonnie moved to Madison, where Bob completed his degree in Social Work with a minor in Education from the UW-Madison. After graduation, he started his career helping others as a social worker at the City of Madison, Department of General Welfare from 1972-1986. Bob then spent a short time with the Janesville Department of Child Services, and finally spent over 15 years with the Dane County Housing Authority working with the Triangle Housing Project in downtown Madison, retiring in 2006. Bob was also very active in Freemasonry, being raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1976. He was a recipient of the “Mason of the Year” award and was installed as Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge No. 50 F&AM in 2000. Bob loved to sing, and has been a proud tenor in the church choir at Lake Edge United Church of Christ for over 30 years. Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie of 44 years; his mother, Jeanne; his sisters, Sue (Gary) Page and Cindy (Lowell) Argue; his son, Rob (Debra); his grandson, Payton; his nephews, Matthew (Stephanie) Lindstrom and Ben (Nicolette) Lindstrom; and his grand-nieces, Brooklyn and Isabella. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert G. Simon; and his brother-in-law, Tom Barbeau. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Rd., Madison, at 4 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, the Rev. Lex Liberatore officiating. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., and at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. He was a great man who was wholly dedicated to making life better for everyone around him, and will be greatly missed by all who were touched by him. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420