Donald L. Simonds
Donald L. Simonds
Donald LeMoine Simonds, age 65, of Baraboo passed away on Monday, October 13, 2014 at his home. Born in Baraboo, the first son of Harold "Burr" Simonds and Marilyn "Maxine" Simonds on April 11, 1949. He was a graduate of Baraboo Senior High School, class of 1967. Don went off to work for D. L. Gasser Construction as a heavy equipment operator for 34 years, leaving in 2005 to become a training instructor for seven years at the Operating Engineers Local 139 before retirement in 2012. Don was nicknamed "Buff" by his trucking friends early in his career. He married Beverly Ann Dischler on May 14, 1983 and they lived in Baraboo for 31 years. Don was a member of the Baraboo Elks #668, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 1502. He enjoyed community work with the Baraboo Jaycees, becoming a local and then state officer, and earning his JCI Senatorship in 1987. He worked the Bid Dig event in Baraboo, showing kids how running heavy equipment could be a great job. He made homemade bread for family and friends, had coffee with his morning group at Viking Village, and kept in touch with classmates through Facebook. He organized the class of 1967 reunions and the "Back to the 60's" event in September. he participated in local, state and national level politics. He was a WWII history buff. Summer evenings he would watch the Milwaukee Brewers on television, and check out NASCAR racing on weekends. Winter and fall were times to travel with Bev and they frequently drove to their destination across the country. They took their 30th wedding anniversary trip to the Hawaiian Islands in 2013. Buff loved his union friends and will have the machines warmed up for the "Big Job" he is organizing. His feline ladies, Cricket and Cassandra Mae will be looking for him, and Muffin and Buddy are already on his lap. Don is survived by his wife, Bev; his mother, Marilyn; his sister, Lisa (Gary) Mason; brothers, Kevin and Kelley; as well as niece, Lisa Simonds; and nephew Anthony Simonds; and their mother, Jane Glynn; cousin, Francis (Gary) Erickson, and James (Francis) Brainerd ; and two aunts, Mid and Kay Brainerd. Don is also survived by his in -laws, Simon and Mary Jane Dischler. Lucille (Theodore) Danube, Keith (Jane) Dischler, Pam Dischler; as well as nieces and nephews, Michelle Dischler, Cinnamon (friend Matthew Zawadzki) Danube, Shana (Billy) Hirchert, and Timothy Dischler. Don was preceded in death by his father, Harold; his uncle, Stanley; and aunt, Cleo; cousins, Kristine Lehman and Judy Brainerd. A visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Redlin Funeral Home. A eulogy will be given by James Francisco at 5 p.m. followed by a time of sharing. Memorials can be made to the International Operating Engineers Local 139 Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 130, Pewaukee, WI 53072.