Carl J. Simonson
PORTAGE — Carl J. Simonson, age 63, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Carl was born March 6, 1962, in Portage. He was the son of Clayton and Verna (Bartels) Simonson. He attended Portage high school, until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, in 1981. During his service as an Aviation Munitions Technician, he received numerous accommodations for his knowledge, leadership, performance, attitude, and his determination for the Corp - including two good conduct medals and a letter of appreciation. Corporal Carl J. Simonson was honorably discharged, in 1985, bringing home stories he would continue to share with great pride.
He married Frances McDougall, on April 6th, 1984. They share two daughters, Jessica and Jennifer. After returning from the Marines, he was employed at Spartec, until the time of their closing, and was most recently employed at Lycon.
Carl enjoyed being outdoors. He especially enjoyed activities he shared with his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, baking, gardening, and sharing his life stories over campfires. He was an amazingly devoted father and grandfather, who was always willing to give and help anyone.
He is survived by his daughters, Jessica (Shane Chapman) Simonson and Jennifer (Phil) Canales; his nine grandchildren, Leilen, Clayton, Lily, Kennedy, Lawson, Lylah, Everett, Lochlyn, and Leighanna; his siblings, Wanda Simonson, Rio, Velma (Steve) Helgerson, Portage, Sharon Cook, Marshfield, Clayton (Deb) Simonson, Jr., Portage, Daniel (Lori) Simonson, Portage, and Patricia (Tim) Dover, Rio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Sr. and Verna Simonson; and his sister, Deborah Simonson.
Carl was loved by many including Jeffrey and Ashley Smith and Gavin Kassner, whom he also called family.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, with military honors provided by the Portage Area Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. A celebration of life, with refreshments and desserts, will follow at The Knights of Columbus Hall, in Portage, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
