Roderick Simenson 03/06/2019

RODERICK EARL SIMENSON JUNE 1, 1930 – MARCH 6, 2019 RIVER FALLS, WI – Rod Simenson, 88, of River Falls, Wisconsin passed away on peacefully after complications from a stroke on March 6th, 2019. Rod was born on June 1, 1930, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was one of two sons born to Harry O. and Marvel Simenson. After Graduating high school he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison for two years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd battalion of the 7th Marines. He served in combat in the Korean War and earned the rank of Sargent. He lived at 102 E. Fuller Street in Freeport, for 50 years with his late wife, Joyce Elaine Simenson, who preceded him in death on March 16, 2015. In 2012, they both relocated to River Falls, Wisconsin, to be closer to family. Rod married Joyce Simenson in 1950, in Freeport IL. while Rod was in the Marine Corps, they lived at various U.S. Marines bases around the U.S., in Bern, North Carolina and Florida. Rod was employed at Micro Switch Honeywell, Newell Companies and Lutheran Brotherhood. Joyce and Rod have two sons, Scott Eric Simenson and Marc Steven Simenson. Along with his sons, Rod was active in Boy Scouts including dedicating 27 years as the scout master for troop 7, chartered at First Lutheran Church. He was a Vigil Member in the Order of the Arrow, received both the Silver Beaver award and Lamb of God Award BSA. He enjoyed taking his scout troop on camping, canoe and kayak trips in the region. He volunteered hundreds of hours at Canyon Camp, Stockton, Illinois, building and repairing structures. Rod was a contingent leader to the Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimeron NM. Rod enjoyed kayaking on the many waterways around Freeport with a group of close friends where they started the Paddle the Peck club. Rod was an active member of the Freeport Kiwanis organization. He had a deep love for his children and grandchildren and loved traveling to Alaska and Wisconsin to spend time with their families. Rod is survived by sons, Scott Simenson (Linda) of River Falls, WI, Marc Simenson (Lois) of Eagle River, Alaska; grandchildren, Kaitlin Nerlfi (Matthew), great granddaughter Zoe of Eagle River, Alaska, Rebecca Simenson of Eagle River Alaska, grandchildren Lauren Simenson and Erik Simenson of River Falls. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother Donald of Eau Claire Wi. The family is planning a private memorial service. Arrangements are by Bakken-Young, 805 E Division Street, PO Box 431, River Falls, Wisconsin 54022 (715-425-8788). To offer condolences to the family please visit their website found at www.bakken-young.com.