Peter Simon

Peter John Simon, age 66, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 15, 2015. Although Peter left this earth young, he enjoyed life to the fullest and his spirit will be with everyone he has touched. He was very active in his community, his business, among his friends, and devoted to his family, especially his son, Christopher; his daughter-in-law, Sarah; and his special granddaughter, Zoe "Shorty".

Peter, "Pete", was born on July 16, 1949, to Michael F. and Ferne (deBower) Simon and grew up in Waunakee where he attended St. John's Grade School and graduated from Waunakee High School in 1968. Peter went on and attended Madison Area Technical College where he graduated in 1970 with a degree in Architectural Technology. Throughout his school years, he worked in the family business his grandfather founded. Peter started his building career working with the Simon Builder crews and learned all facets of the trades and the business from his father and older brother, Michael P. Simon. Peter was an excellent carpenter and also served the company as the supervisor of the finishing crew and did all the drafting and design work for a number of years. Peter continued his family legacy in building in 1998 when he joined his brother, Phil Simon, as officers and owners of the century old company, Michael F. Simon Builders. Peter retired from the family business in 2003 after a lengthy illness and focused on his heath and family.

Peter was very involved in his community. Peter spent 14 years as a volunteer firefighter (1978-1992), and several years working with the EMS team in Waunakee. He was also very active with the Waunakee hockey program while his son, Christopher, played and remained a volunteer after his graduation. His love and enjoyment of hockey continued when his granddaughter, Zoe, entered the Waunakee Youth Hockey Program.

When it came to being a friend of Peter's, you know that he would bend over backwards to make the time spent together as fun as possible. Peter was always on the go with friends going to Badger and Packer sporting events and parties, and golfing. Peter enjoyed vacationing with friends and family in Florida and especially enjoyed taking Zoe on her first trip to Disney World. Peter enjoyed building and woodworking and often completed projects to display at his house.

We were blessed to have a Dad like Peter. Family was always number one to Peter. He always took time to spend Sunday dinner with us, loan us his fun sports cars for trips, take vacations with us, spend weekends up north at the 'Pete's Second Chance', and dote on us like any Dad and Grandpa would. Peter always made sure to have a good relationship with Chris even if it was a 6:30 a.m. tee time or listening to Sarah talk about work and the bond he built with Zoe was unbreakable and amazing, two peas in a pod! We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of his care-takers especially Marie Roeber who cared for Peter for the past three and a half years; his long time physician Dr. Weber; and the staff at Homestead Living and Agrace Hospice.

Peter is survived by his son, Christopher; daughter-in-law, Sarah; and granddaughter, Zoe Simon. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael P. Simon (Sharon), Susan Meise (Bill), Sydney Hensen (Greg), and Philip Simon (Kathy); many nieces and nephews; countless dear friends; and his dogs Mandy and Lulu. Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Michael F. and Ferne (deBower) Simon; three brothers, Patrick Scott Simon and twins, Timothy and James Simon; as well as his dog Charlie.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St John's Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. Msgr James Gunn will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee