Paul M.D.

Paul O. Simenstad
A wonderful husband, father, physician and man of faith passed away on February 19, 2016 at Sebring Assisted Care Residence. An identical twin, Paul and his brother, John, were born to Agnes and L. O. Simenstad on July 7, 1928.

After boyhood in Osceola, Wisconsin, Paul attended Carleton College where he met the love of his life, Ellen Butterfield. Upon graduation from the University of Rochester, NY medical school, Paul and Ellen began their life together in 1953. After army service and internal medicine residency in Minneapolis, he joined the Dean Clinic in 1964. In addition to his medical practice, he held many leadership roles at both Dean and WPS Insurance. These experiences were instrumental in the founding of the DeanCare HMO in 1983. He was the Medical Director there until 1996. During this time, he was also a Clinical Professor at the University of Wisconsin. In later years, he worked as a physician at the Dean Free Clinic and was active in governing medical boards at the state and local level. He was also an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church, serving as lay leader and teaching youth confirmation classes for thirty five years.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, and his brother, John. Survived by his children, Jane Simenstad Sherman (John) and Mark Simenstad (Deb); grandchildren: Ian, Scott, Brian and Emma Sherman, Matthew and Stephanie Simenstad, and great-grandson, Paul Sherman. Special thanks to the staff at Sebring Assisted Care Residence, Dr. Al Musa and friends who supported Paul in his final years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 7 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Road, Madison. A visitation will be at the church two hours prior to service with a luncheon afterwards. Memorials preferred to Bethany United Methodist Church and the St. Mary's Foundation.

Please share your memories of Paul.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434