Richard “Cy” Simons, age 78 of Symco, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at home surrounded by family.

Cy was born on March 20, 1943 in Neenah, son of the late Earl and Juliette (Pendleton) Simons. He moved away and lived in several other states over the years, but always found his way back to Wisconsin. He married Donna Ritchie on November 22, 1980 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek, WI. Cy was an advocate for the preservation of nature and the environment, a true environmental activist. He also had great love and affection for any animal, rescuing many to give them a better life. He enjoyed being out in nature, hunting, fishing, working in his garden, wood carving, buying old cars, and learning more about his Native American heritage and ancestors. He loved watching his grandkids and great-grandkids wrestle, play sports and show animals at the fair. Cy also loved visiting with friends and talking about the good old times. His sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Cy is survived by his loving wife Donna (Ritchie) Simons; six children: Jeff (Julie) Simons, Tyler (Marie) Simons, Aaron (Currie) Simons-Terry, Matthias (Samantha) Simons, Megan (Benjamin) Barrington, Amanda (Benjamin) Bruette; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Lindemann. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Cy was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and mother- and father-in-law, Eva and Matthias Ritchie.

A Memorial Mass for Cy will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manawa, WI with Father Matthew Rappl officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Bear Creek. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Life Celebration Center in Manawa and also on Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.