William E. Simon

William Eugene (Bill) Simon, 93, passed away November 23, 2020, at the Carriage House of Bay City.
Bill was born William Eugene Siemiana on June 15, 1927, in Bay City to the late Casimir and Blanche (Dominowski) Siemiana (his father later changed the family name to Simon). He grew up in Bay City, graduating from Bay City Central High School before enlisting in the military on his 18th birthday and being stationed in Japan during WWII. He met Jeanette Slezak after returning from duty, and they were married on September 4, 1948.
Bill learned a great deal about tools, mechanical engineering, and other trades from his father, who was a toolmaker and held several patents. He was very analytical and enjoyed working with his hands, considering himself a "jack of all trades." Bill held many roles throughout his career, ultimately retiring as a draftsman from Resistance Welders Corporation, and had a drafting table that was always home to several blueprints and designs. He was happiest when he had some type of project in the works and built both the house that he and Jeannette enjoyed "up north" on Elbow Lake in Prescott upon their retirement and the addition to the "little house" they moved back to in Bay City many years later.
Family and faith were extremely important to Bill, after losing his mother and being separated from his father and siblings at a young age. In their 63 years of marriage, Bill and Jeanette raised five children. They memorably welcomed their daughter, Kathy, on their fifth anniversary, and exchanged the same anniversary card for years, because Bill wanted to get his money's worth. They were proud of their Polish heritage and had many family camping adventures at Skidway Lake with their extended family, where they would laugh, play cards and tell stories late into the night. Whenever someone would visit, Bill would always offer them a Coke or a beer, regardless of the time of day. He liked Hennessy, a good burger, and all things raspberry.
Bill and Jeanette were devout Catholics and active members of St. James Church and St. Stanislaus Church in Bay City, and St. Stephen of Hungary Church in Prescott. They were very involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in both cities. Within his family, Bill was known for frequently asking his granddaughters when and which one of them was going to become a nun (none did).
Bill was quick-witted, had a great sense of humor and always had a twinkle in his eye, and several sayings that have become popular with his family, such as referring to a garage full of "stuff" or "junk" as "inventory," and to his pocket knife as a "do-all." His grandchildren have many wonderful memories of holidays and weekends spent up north, where he would give them a half dollar on holidays and take them out on the lake for pontoon or paddle boat rides as soon as they arrived. He had a lineup of life jackets ready to go at all times. Bill would take his grandkids exploring in the woods and keep them from misbehaving by threatening a trip to the woodshed if they got out of line. None of the kids knew what was in the woodshed, and they didn't want to find out. Although he pretended to act grumpy at times, he was incredibly kind, caring, and giving. He was a hard worker, a wonderful role model and a true member of the greatest generation. He would do anything for his children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed fixing things and showing them how to make home repairs.
Bill is survived by his five children, James (Carmen) Simon of Caledonia; Robert (Marie) Simon of Bay City; Kathleen (Arthur) Sigsworth of Midland; Daniel Simon of Essexville, and Christopher Simon of Bay City; grandchildren Anne (Brian) Kostus; Carey Grund and David Simon; Jennifer and Adam Sigsworth; Erica (Frank) Wilke, Whitney (Andrew) Gallagher, and Jaime Simon; Kristy (Chris) O'Malley and Bill (Laci) Simon; Jeff (Holly) Smith and Angela (David) Van Nostrand; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Slezak) Tithof, and several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and Jeanette, who passed away in 2012, Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Eugene and Jerome, sister, Virginia (Simon) Roberts; daughter-in-law, Kay Simon; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Sigsworth.
Bill had been a resident of the Carriage House for the past ten years, and his family wishes to thank the staff for their loving care, compassion, and support, particularly during the last few days of his life.
Burial arrangements will be coordinated by Gephart Funeral Home, and a celebration of Bill's life will be planned at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Friends and family can also share messages of condolence and their favorite memories of Bill at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/rJyqknFd/billsimon .