Robert Simonson

Robert "Bob" J. Simonson, age 83 of Iron River, MI, died Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at Northstar Health System, Iron River. He was born June 3, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of the late Wallace and Dorothy (Peterman) Simonson. He attended the Stambaugh Schools and graduated with the Class of 1943.Immediately following his graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and served until 1946, attaining the rank of Electrician's Mate First Class. Bob married the former Beverly Jean Brown on June 22, 1946 at the Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1996. In September , 1946, Bob enrolled in Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, and received a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1949 and a degree in Engineering Administration in 1951. Bob was employed by Commonwealth Edison of Chicago in 1951 and served in various locations in the Chicago area for 33 years. They resided in Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows during those years. He retired in 1984 as Division Engineer at the Northbrook headquarters. Bob and Jean retired to their beloved Upper Peninsula so they could spend their summers at their cabin at Agate Harbor in the Keweenaw. Bob had many interests, reading, hiking, photography and his computer. His claim to fame was the publishing of his mother's journal on their year (1932-33) spent on Isle Royal where she taught the five Johnson children and Bob. In his early years in Stambaugh, Bob attained the rank of Eagle Scout and remained interested in scouting and served as scout master for both of his sons in their growing up years. He was preceded in death by his three year old twin sister, Betty Lou and 11 month old grandson, Russell "Rusty" Simonson.. He is survived by his wife, Jean; two sons; Kent (Janice) Simonson, St. Charles, IL, Robert Simonson, Springfield, IL; two granddaughters, Beth and Vicky; seven great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Vitton of Hancock. Visitation: Monday, May 24, 2010 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Iron River. Funeral Service: Monday, May 24, 2010 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Iron River, with Rev. Manuel Padilla to officiate. Interment: Pine Grove Cemetery, Eagle Harbor, MI The family suggests memorial donations to Samaritan Services, St. Vincent DePaul Store. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.