Racine – James Ronald Simonsen, 73, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones on Monday, October 12, 2015. He was born in Racine on May 9, 1942, son of the late Wilfred and Joyce (nee: Bergstrom) Simonsen.
He was united in marriage to the former Kim M. Battisti (nee: Petersen) on September 14, 1996, at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Racine.
James was a proud union electrician and was a member of IBEW Local 430, retiring in 2004. James had a remarkable work ethic and was passionate about the working class. He proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed in Europe. He remained in Europe for a year after discharge traveling and collecting wonderful memories. James was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, serving as chairperson for RACO and on the steering committee. He was a Packer fan and enjoyed watching the games with Kim. He also loved to recap them on Sunday nights with his son Andrew from Florida. James loved nature where he said he felt closest to “The Big Guy.” A favorite pastime was spent traveling with Kim (and his dog) to beautiful state parks, many in the Midwest. James loved daily walks to the park with his dog, visiting with neighbors and spending time with children watching them have fun.
James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Kim Simonsen of Racine; sons, Michael (Alice) Simonsen of Burlington, Andrew Simonsen of Florida; step-son, Jason Battisti of Franksville; grandchildren, Andrew Simonsen, Grace Simonsen, Logan Simonsen, Brendan Simonsen, Quinn Battisti; sisters, Sandra (Don) Matezevich of Florida, Vicki (Keith) Dahlman of Kansasville; niece, Rebecca (Sean) Powell; nephews, Scott Goller, James (Rita) Goller, Rebecca (Sean) Powell, Kevin Dahlman; special friends, Bruce Harwood of Burlington, Gloria Krammer of MN; step-sisters, other relatives, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his niece, Kimberly Goller.
A celebration of James’s life will take place on Monday, October 19, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Mary Janz officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery. The family has suggested memorials to The Salvation Army or Emmaus Lutheran Church.
The family would like to thank Wheaton Franciscan Home Health Care; Dr. Niebuhr's office, Dr. Jeffreys, and the staff at the Aurora Cancer Center and Hospice for the wonderful care given to our family during this difficult time.
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