MADISON - Wesley E. Simmons, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Oak Park Place, Jupiter Drive. He was born on Oct. 8, 1935, in Beloit, Wis., the son of Charles and Delaware (Murphy) Simmons.

Wesley graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1953. He married Kathryn (Gruenhagen) Simmons on June 27, 1981, in Madison, Wis. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956.

In 1963, Wesley was employed as the first Black Kroger manager in Wisconsin, serving in Milwaukee and Madison stores. When the company moved out of the state around 1970-71, Wesley chose to remain in Madison with his family. Wesley worked for Oscar Mayer and later as a security supervisor for UW Hospital. After retirement he mixed his love for travel with working as a travel agent for Carlson Wagonlit Travel Agency. He enjoyed photography, genealogy, golf and history, especially the study of Civil War. Dad was also a loyal Cubs and Bears fan! Bear Down!

Wesley is survived by his four daughters, Kimberley Simmons, Susanne Simmons, Michelle "Mikki" Smith and Debra Simmons; son, Donald Simmons; stepson, Michael (Sarah) Gruenhagen; six grandchildren, Haley Simmons, Phillip Smith, Savion Castro, Dontay Simmons, Beau Simmons and Logan Gruenhagen; two great-grandchildren, Ahmani Smith and Aubree Smith; two sisters, Kay Simmons and Elizabeth (Bobby) Weaver; a host of cousins; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Ann Simmons; son, Charles Simmons; parents, Charles and Delaware Simmons; former wife, Deloris Simmons; and brother-in-law, Alex Broeske.

A memorial service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, with the Rev. Justin Dittrich presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

The family wishes to thank the friends at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, Comfort Keepers, Oak Park Place and Agrace HospiceCare for all of their wonderful care and support given to Wesley and his family.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or to Lake Edge Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Wesley E. Simmons

October 08, 1935 - October 27, 2023

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