William J. Simic, Jr.

William James Simic, Jr., 84, of Arbor Vitae, WI, went home to rest with his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 11, 2022. Those who knew Bill were aware of his compassionate, gentle and unassuming spirit. He was a man of faith, serving others throughout his life. Bill was an avid bridge player, lover of astronomy, and an enthusiast of outdoor activities. In Montana and Wisconsin, his pursuits included tennis, flyfishing, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, backpacking, and birdwatching. Bill tackled the technical climb of Montana’s highest point, successfully summitting Granite Peak. He enjoyed years of biking and sometimes referred to himself as “the original mountain biker.” Bill was born and raised in Nebraska, graduating from high school in 1956. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1964. Following a rotating internship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he was a general practitioner in Alma, Nebraska for three years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Public Health Service where he completed two years of service in general medicine at the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana. In 1971 he took specialty training in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. He went into private practice in Helena, Montana in 1975 for the next 15 years. Those years also included service at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center and work as a clinical instructor for the WAMI medical school program at Montana State University. In 1990 he transferred to Wisconsin for a three-year stint in Superior, then joined the Marshfield Clinic in Minocqua where he remained on staff until retirement in 2006. Bill’s attainment of Eagle Scout rank at the age of 14 embodied his commitment to high ideals. Always dedicated to sharing his time and medical expertise, he sat on the Board of Directors of Shodair Children’s Hospital, and he was appointed by the governors of both Montana and Wisconsin to serve on the State Board of Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for the Pastime Club and devoted years of committee work with his churches in his different hometowns. He found his work as a hospice volunteer particularly satisfying. Bill was a lifelong learner. In his later years, he studied astronomy, took writing classes, and opera courses. As a retiree, he bought a cello and taught himself to play. But always modest, he was reluctant to perform with his cello for others. To stay in good physical condition in his retirement years, Bill built a sledding course on the long, steep hill on his property that he enthusiastically climbed repeatedly throughout the extensive snowy, Wisconsin winters. Bill and his devoted wife, Barbara celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. They had a lasting relationship that began with a blind date in college. Their deep love for each other grew stronger with each passing year. Their social calendar was often filled with bridge clubs, dinner clubs, costume parties, theater outings and trips with their children and grandchildren. Theirs is a true love story with all the ups and downs that create a deep intertwining of souls. Bill and Barb raised three daughters, all of whom acquired his work ethic, dedicated parenting skills, relationship faithfulness, and sometimes stubborn disposition. His six grandchildren were the pride and joy of Bill’s life. He faithfully followed their activities and accomplishments while providing support and guidance. His legacy of a giving spirit, faith in God, passion for outdoor sports, and enthusiasm for life will live on through them. Having just one sister, Bill considered Margaret a cherished confidant and partner in all things Simic. Her son Paul was the closest thing Bill had to a son. Bill and Paul shared a special bond that included many season ticket trips to University of Nebraska football games to cheer on their beloved Cornhuskers. Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Simic; sister, Margaret Langdale of Texas; daughters Karrie (Dan) Sherick of Washington; Jennifer Simic (Eyal) More of California; and Cynthia (Peter) Dietz of Minnesota; beloved grandchildren Katelyn, Kyle, Taylor, Hunter, Ryan, Logan; and nephew, Paul. Preceding him in death were his father, William Simic, Sr. and his mother, Hazel Simic. A man who worked tirelessly his entire life, has finally earned a rest. Celebration of Life Service Friday, August 19, 2022 United Methodist Church of the Pines 415 Chippewa Street Minocqua, Wisconsin Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Service: 10:30 a.m. Social gathering: Immediately following In lieu of flowers, gifts for the endowment fund for the United Methodist Church of the Pines, PO BOX 144, Minocqua, WI 54548 are preferred. A charitable gift to this endowment fund would fully embrace the remembrance of Bill’s life because it was more than a house of worship for him. It brought him solace, comfort, faith, and grace. The church members and staff fully embraced Bill and Barb during the challenging past couple of years with visits, prayers, love, meals, transportation, and reminders of God’s love.

William J. Simic, Jr.

April 30, 1938 - August 11, 2022