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Fr. John Simon

June 18, 1946 - January 7, 2021
Visitation
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam
511 S. Spring St.
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Wednesday 1/27, 9:00 am - 10:50 am
Service
St. Matthew Cemetery-Campbellsport
406 E. Main
Campbellsport, WI 53010
920-533-4441 |
Mass
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam
511 S. Spring St.
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Wednesday 1/27, 11:00 am

With hope in the resurrection, we commend to the Lord, Reverend John Leo Simon, who died Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the age of 74. John Leo Simon was born on June 18, 1946 in West Bend, Wisconsin to Linus and Florence (Miller) Simon. After attending St. Matthews Catholic Grade School and graduating from Campbellsport High School, he began his priestly formation at St. Lawrence Minor Seminary in Mt. Calvary in 1964 and then at Saint Francis de Sales Minor Seminary in 1966, continuing his studies at Saint Francis de Sales Major Seminary from 1968-1973. He was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend William E. Cousins, Archbishop of Milwaukee, on June 3, 1973 at St. Matthew Parish, Campbellsport. Father Simon’s first assignment was as Associate Pastor, St. Dominic in Sheboygan from June 12, 1973 to June 16, 1980. He was named Associate Pastor at St. Mary, Fond du Lac from June 17, 1980 to June 16, 1986 and then Associate Pastor at St. Peter, Beaver Dam from June 17, 1986 to January 3, 1990. He was appointed temporary Administrator, Pastor, at St. Peter in Beaver Dam from January 4, 1990 to June 25, 1990 and then Pastor at St. Peter in Beaver Dam from June 26, 1990 to June 15, 1998. He was appointed Administrator-Shared at St. John the Baptist in Clyman, St. Columbkille in Elba, and Holy Family in Reeseville from October 1, 1998 to June 16, 2003. He became Pastor-Shared at Our Risen Savior in Eldorado and Presentation of BVM in North Fond du Lac from June 17, 2003 to June 30, 2013. He retired on June 30, 2013. He served as Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council of Sheboygan; for the Knights of Columbus Council of Beaver Dam; for the Knights of Columbus Council of Clyman, Reeseville and Elba [being the founding Grand Knight of that same Council]; and for the Knights of Columbus Council of North Fond du Lac. He also was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus on various Assemblies. Fr. John served as Milwaukee Archdiocesan Knights of Columbus Chaplain (1988-2000) and as State Chaplain of Wisconsin State Knights of Columbus (2000-2002). He was also a member of Aerie 270, Fraternal Order of Eagles in Fond du Lac. Fr. John is survived by six brothers: James, Lester (Shirley), Dale (Shelly), Kenneth (Lauri), Paul (Jane) and Steven (Ronda); his sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, relatives (especially Jacki Cisco, his housekeeper and caregiver) and friends. Fr. John was preceded in death by his parents, a niece, numerous uncles and aunts, relatives and friends.

Visitation
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam
511 S. Spring St.
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Map
Wednesday 1/27, 9:00 am - 10:50 am
Service
St. Matthew Cemetery-Campbellsport
406 E. Main
Campbellsport, WI 53010
920-533-4441 | Map
Mass
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church-Beaver Dam
511 S. Spring St.
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Map
Wednesday 1/27, 11:00 am

With hope in the resurrection, we commend to the Lord, Reverend John Leo Simon, who died Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the age of 74. John Leo Simon was born on June 18, 1946 in West Bend, Wisconsin to Linus and Florence (Miller) Simon. After attending St. Matthews Catholic Grade School and graduating from CampbellsportContinue Reading

See Condolences
Allen and Julie Spaeth left a message on January 31, 2021:

We offer our sympathy and prayers to the Simon family. Father John married us in 1975 at St. Dominic's in Sheboygan. At the time, my Grandmother thought we might be related to the Simon's but wasn't sure how. Now, thanks to the help of Fr. John's niece I've learned Fr. John and I are 3rd Cousins twice removed. Only wish I would have searched it out better years ago. RIP John--Well done!! Allen Spaeth

Randy Hedstrom left a message on January 29, 2021:

My sympathies to Fr. Simon's family. I knew him at his first assignment, St. Dominics in Sheboygan. He married my wife Johanna and I. He also baptized my second Daughter, April. He, and his family will be in our prayers.

Molly Hatfield left a message on January 29, 2021:

My sincere condolences to Father John's family and Jackie. I got to know him over 20 years of parish visits and he was a very kind and open man. Peace to his family.

Betsy Rogers left a message on January 28, 2021:

I was fortunate enough to work with Fr. John in the church office at St. Peter, Beaver Dam. During that time, I was able to share special moments during his time in Beaver Dam... a special birthday celebration, his love of country music, mourning a passing away of a special friend--just to name a few. I will remember Fr. John as another blessing in my life.

Jeff Broecker left a message on January 25, 2021:

Sorry to hear of John passing. I am not going to be able to attend the service since I am out of town. Carol and I send our sympathy to the family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Janet Heder left a message on January 23, 2021:

Father John was my pupil in first and/or second grade at St. Mathew's. If my memory serves me right, he was a twin - Lester(??). They looked very much alike and fooled me many times! I promise to keep the family in prayer. Sister Janet Heder (at that time Sister Frida)

Jean & Russ Krebs left a message on January 23, 2021:

Our sympathy to the Simon Family on the loss of Father John. God Bless!

John and Arline Lemke left a message on January 23, 2021:

Les, Shirley and family,
Sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care and God bless.

John and Arline Lemke

Linda Guenther left a message on January 22, 2021:

Fr. John helped me through a very difficult time in my life; for that, I will be forever grateful.

Kathi Schetter RDH left a message on January 22, 2021:

Jackie, My sincerest condolences on Father John's passing. I enjoyed many years of visiting with him at his dental appointments. Prayers are with you and the entire family.

Bob Schenk left a message on January 21, 2021:

You have my deepest condolences. Some of my favorite memories are the times Father John would stay at our house when he was going to semenary. I unfortunately won't be able to make it to services as it conflicts with my wife's dialysis times. I will pray for you all.

Dick and Barb Nies left a message on January 21, 2021:

We have many fond memories of our friendship with Father John. From his presiding over the wedding mass of our daughter and son-in-law to our many visits at the Dodge county fair with him and Jacki which sadly didn't happen in August of 2020. We are happy to have known and shared time with this special man and will keep him in our prayers.

David & Janet Emmer left a message on January 21, 2021:

Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire Simon family from the Ketter family. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. You will be in our prayers.

Bob & Betty Eilbes left a message on January 21, 2021:

We went on several trips to Europe and Alaska with Fr. John. We always had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the trips. We especially remember the good times we shared during the many K of C activities and events. Fr. John presided at the Mass celebrating our 25th Anniversary, it was an honor to have him as celebrant. He will be truly missed.

Sheila Weinbach Weinbach left a message on January 20, 2021:

All though Father John and I met in person only once, we shared a friendship through Facebook. He always commented on my posts and Holidays. I lost a special friend and Jackie, my niece by choice, lost her companion of so many years.

Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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