Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Joe Marcus Simonson passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023 at Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with his wife by his side.

Joe was born on the Vincelette Ranch out of Baker, MT on October 7, 1934 to John G Simonson and Pearl McIntosh Simonson.

He attended grade schools in Glendive, MT and Lacey, WA and graduated from WCHS in Worland in 1954. Joe volunteered for the draft shortly thereafter, stationed in France for two years while serving in the U.S. Army. He married Donna Graff in Worland in September of 1958. They had two children, Gregory and Steven.

Joe spent his working life in the oil patch, first with Halliburton in the Worland area then he moved his family to Cut Bank and Broadus MT while he worked as an independent cement operator. His final career was with the MT Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and this was done from the Glendive, MT location. He covered a district from the Montana/Canadian border in eastern Montana to the Wyoming/Montana border. Joe was an active member of the Glendive Cottonwood Country Club, serving as President for one year. He was an active Jaycee when time permitted. He was also a member of the Methodist Church and the Elks Lodge.

After retirement, Joe and his wife, Donna, spent twelve years going to Hemet, CA for the winter months. He loved to golf, fish and hunt elk. He was especially happy to spend his last years back in Worland where these activities were available to him.

He is survived his wife, Donna and sons Greg (Jamie) Simonson of Fountain, CO and Steven (Rachel) Simonson of Billings, MT as well as his brother, Jerry Simonson of Manila, Philipines. He is also survived by his grandchildren Erik (Becky) Simonson of Olympia, WA, Christie (SGT Dave) Lawton of Lakewood, WA, Marcus (Missy) Simonson of Gig Harbor, WA and Gary (Wendy) Simonson of Salt Lake City, UT. Joe is also survived by great grandsons Austin Simonson, Joe Simonson, Andrew Simonson, Trent Lawton and Miles Simonson and two great granddaughters Audrey Lawton and Winnie Simonson.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents, brothers John and Hugh Simonson and sisters Doris Freistone and Jean Spencer.

Cremation has taken place at the Antelope Butte Crematory in Greybull. Graveside services for family and friends will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday July 8, 2023 at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Worland.

Donations may be made to the Worland Senior Center, 300 South 14th Street, Worland, WY 82401.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Veile Mortuary.