Tilman M. Simonson

Tim Simonson, age 88 of Viroqua, died Monday evening, September 8, 2008. Tilman "Tim" Marvin Simonson, 88, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 8, 2008 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born December 9th, 1919 to Tollie and Mabel Simonson in the town of Franklin in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Tim was baptized and Confirmed by Pastor D.T. Borgen. Tim attended Sherry School and was a graduate of Readstown High School in 1937. Tim was a devoted life time member of Franklin Lutheran Church. He was the Church Treasurer for four years.Tim moved to Folsom in 1925, and farmed with his family for 33 years. In 1958 the farm was sold and Tim moved to Viroqua. While living in Viroqua, Tim did soil testing for the county, worked for A.S.C. doing land measurement, elevation readings and placing permanent markers. Tim also worked for the K & L Store for 17 years and engraved countless beautiful items. One of Tims favorite times of the year was the Vernon County Fair. Tim worked the fair gates for 34 years, beginning in 1958. He also was active in submitting many items for judging at the fair, resulting in countless ribbons over the years. One year Tim received eight blue ribbons and one merit award. One of Tims most treasured hobbies was raising tea roses. Tim would deliver roses to businesses in town, the hospital and other locations just to see the smile of the person who received them. At certain times, Tim had 60 varieties of roses growing in his garden. One of Tims most treasured possessions was received in 2002. Tim received the "Lily for Life" 50 year insulin award, which recognized people with diabetes, who have lived insulin dependent for 50 years. At the time of his passing, Tim was insulin dependent for 56 years. Tims greatest hope and prayer is that a cure for diabetes will be found. Tim was a shining example of strength and determination as he dealt with any complication or challenge of his diabetes, and that was most displayed the past two years while going for kidney dialysis three times a week, first in Onalaska, then in Viroqua. Tim spent his final years living at Norseland Nursing home. He started a garden in the back courtyard that was enjoyed by both staff and residents and those who visited Tim. Tim was an inspiration to many, many enjoyed his warm conversation and his Norwegian jokes. Tims foundation was his faith, his strength was his love for his family, and his joy was the outdoors, where he could garden and enjoy Gods beautiful creations. Tim is survived by his brother, Tollie (Elaine) Simonson of Eastman, WI; sisters, Myra Johnson, Madison, WI, Ardella (Carl) Ceneskie, Atlanta, GA, and Bertha (Kenneth) Numedahl, Owatonna, MN; 16 nieces and nephews and many great, and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved Mother and Father, Tollie and Mabel, and Brothers, Sidney, Burnie, and Norman. Blessed be his memory. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Franklin Lutheran Church, Folsom. Pastor Grant VanLishout will officiate with burial in the Franklin Church Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from l0:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. On line condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to "Simonson Memorial Fund at Gundersen Medical Foundation for Research in Diabetes", Franklin Lutheran Church, or donors choice. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.