Donald "Don" A. Simandl

On December 22, 2023, Donald A. Simandl joined his beloved wife Rita T. Simandl in heaven.

Don was born on June 13, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Charles and Gertrude Simandl.

As a boy, Don attended Garden Homes Elementary School and Rufus King High School. He

resided in Milwaukee the majority of his life. A proud American, he served our country in World

War Two. He deployed to the European Theatre of Operation and saw his first combat on the

morning of June 6, 1944 on Utah Beach in Normandy, France as part of the D-Day invasion. Don

was wounded during combat and following his recovery he joined the military police and worked

with the French secret police. Don would always say that “he was not alone” in fighting for our

freedom.

Following the war, Don began working at Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation and became the

advertising manager, a career he enjoyed for 37 years. He oversaw many well-known projects,

including the design of the famous lightning bolt logo. Next time you see it at the hardware store,

think of Don!

Upon retiring in 1990, Don and Rita spent time at their condo in Sister Bay, WI. He enjoyed

fishing, golfing, painting, listening to music, and spending time with his family. Don was a real

social butterfly and really enjoyed talking to everyone he met.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa Taylor (Lee), grandson Eric Taylor (Trisha) and nieces,

Penny Seber, Janet Kopp, Mary Schultz and nephew, Fr. Thomas Maikowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM with a visitation for family and friends starting at 10:00 AM all to take place at St. Bruno Catholic Church in Dousman.

Memorials may be given to Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 455 S. Lake Powell Blvd, Page, Arizona 86040. https://www.ihschool.org/give-generously