The Rev. S. Luther Simonson

Simonson, the Rev. S. LutherMADISON-The Rev. S. Luther Simonson, age 82, of Madison, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, May 15, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 16, 1928, in Fergus Falls, Minn., the son of Rev. Rudolph and Gladys Simonson. Luther graduated from Sisseton High School in Sisseton, S.D., Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. in 1950, and Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. in 1953. He served at Bear River Lutheran Parish in Bear River, Minn., Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minn., and St. Anthony Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. Luther also taught at Augustana Academy in Canton, S.D., and at Canton High School. In 1971 he came to Madison as the first Dane County Juvenile Court Administrator. Luther established the Dane County Juvenile Shelter Home and home detention program. He became the first Dane County Jail Chaplain in 1975. Luther enjoyed playing tennis, racquetball and handball. He also refereed high school and college basketball and football. More recently he enjoyed traveling, including trips to Scandinavia, Europe and Africa. Luther was a member of Lake Edge Lutheran Church, International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), and Concordia College C-400, of which he was a very proud member. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Audrey; daughter, Deborah (Wayne) Smith of Mantorville, Minn, and their three children, Eric and Ryan Smith, and Diana (Tim) Moore and their son, Andrew; sons, Nathanael Simonson of Minong, and Peter (Denise) Simonson of St. Paul, Minn;daughter, Rachel TenBruggencate of Madison and her children, Darin, Janna and Alena TenBruggencate; brother, James (Shirley) Simonson; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Simonson and Eunice Simonson; brother-in-law, Carl (Lorna) Sande; and many nieces and nephews. Luther was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, David Simonson and Paul Simonson. A memorial service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, with the Rev. Shirley Funk presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to Madison Area Lutheran Council (MALC) Jail Ministry or Operation Bootstrap-Africa. The family would like to give special thanks to the entire staff and close friends at Oakwood Village East Rehab Center. Memorials: Memorials may be made to Madison Area Lutheran Council (MALC) Jail Ministry or Operation Bootstrap-Africa. Visitation: Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Service: A memorial service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, with the Rev. Shirley Funk presiding.