Gerard George Simono

1939 - 2024

Jerry (Gerard G.) Simono

November 19, 1939 - August 22, 2024

SUN PRAIRIE - Jerry (Gerard G.) Simono of Sun Prairie, WI left this world on August 22, 2024, with his wife and his family at his side. Jerry was born November 19, 1939, in Coleman, WI to Gerard M. and Katherine G. (Beaton) Simono. He attended St. Luke Catholic Grade School and Washington High School in Two Rivers. Jerry served our country as a member of the Army Security Agency in Japan from 1961 through 1964. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1969 with a degree in Sociology.

He married Cynthia Liska in July 1965, and they were blessed with three children, Chuck, Suzette, and Brigette. Jerry was later united in marriage with Sue (Biele-Fowler) on March 03, 1990. Jerry loved life and always saw the positive side of things. The moments he cherished most were spending time with his family, especially Sue, his three children, Chuck, Suzette, and Brigette, his grandchildren, and his brother and sisters. He was proud of his family, the values they all showed in life, and the respect and care they showed for others.

Jerry worked in health and education, at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, for almost 30 years. His focus was always on those who could least fend for themselves. As head of the Wisconsin Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs, he fought to strengthen family groups and to give parents and families throughout Wisconsin a voice and leadership in the identification and delivery of care for their family.

Jerry was a local and statewide officer in the Wisconsin Jaycees and was a past member of the American Legion. He volunteered with the Madison Area Hospice, and the American Cancer Society, and helped organize and chair the Waunakee Cancer Relay for Life. He found his work with Hospice especially rewarding. He was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and has been active in church leadership and church in-reach and outreach ministries throughout his life.

Jerry played organized basketball into his early 40's and was an avid fan of high school and college sports, especially the Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed working with young people to help them learn the value of teamwork. He spent many years coaching Parochial School and YMCA Basketball, and Little League Baseball. He especially loved the outdoors: Hiking, Cross Country Skiing, Biking, Golf, Camping, and seeing the back country of Alaska with his brother Jim.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Suzanne. Other survivors include his son, Charles Simono of Waupaca (Mary); two daughters: Suzette Simoneau of Columbus (Ted), and Brigette (Matt) Chizek of Baraboo; one brother, Tom Simono of Manitowoc, and two sisters: Mary (Dennis) Swoboda, and Bette (Tom) Dickenson, all of Two Rivers; one stepson, Todd Fowler of McFarland (Michelle); two grandsons: Hunter and Bridger; two granddaughters: Taylor, and Maddie; one step granddaughter, Halie and one step great-granddaughter, Willow. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Jim, his sister, Kathleen, his brother-in-law, Bob Pilzak, and his stepdaughter, Dee Anne.

Services will be at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Sun Prairie on September 4; Visitation at 10:00 AM and Service at noon. As you may know, Jerry was an avid Badger fan. We invite you to wear Badger gear or Badger red in honor of Jerry.