Joyce Simonson

Joyce E. Simonson, 89, passed away early morning on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Born Joyce Elizabeth Eggen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 5, 1928 to Jack and Elizabeth Eggen, she spent her childhood in Negaunee, Michigan until graduating from high school in 1946. That year she moved to Wausau and began work as a Western Union Telegraph operator, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Donald Simonson (d.2004). They married on October 22, 1949. Joyce later served as a US Postal employee, and in 1967, became the first female mail carrier in Wausau. She was later promoted to postmaster secretary, where she served until her retirement in 1992. She was a tireless volunteer in several organizations; many will fondly remember her work as a voting poll worker for many years. Her favorite activities included bowling, card club, reading, gardening, her pets and her greatest love, travel. Later in their 55 year marriage, she and husband Don traveled the world, and after his passing she continued to travel with companions Sharon and Kay. She is preceded in death by her husband Donald, and is survived by daughters Susan (Scott) Chapin, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Cathleen (Scott) Jacobson, Gleason, WI; grandchildren Brent Chapin (fiancé Patricia), Denver, CO, Blair Chapin, Denver, CO, Elizabeth Chapin-Hetherington (Christopher), Long Beach CA, Troy Jacobson (Deb Hughes) Mineral Point, WI, Kelly Jacobson (Joel Kaskavitch) Wausau, WI; great-granddaughters Danika and Chloe (Coco) Buttke; honorary great-granddaughter Kallie Kaskavitch; honorary step-grandson Michael Dux, Jacksonville, FL and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, the staff at The Bay at Colonial Manor, as well as Interim Hospice. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 20 at 10:30 am at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 N. 2nd Street, Wausau with a visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. Monsignor Mark Pierce will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to Interim Hospice, or the Marathon County Humane Society. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.brainardfuneral.com.