Black Earth

Irvin C. Simley, age 97, of Black Earth, WI entered into his heavenly home on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital, Prairie du Sac, WI.

He was born September 22, 1904 in the village of Black Earth to Iver and Anna (Anderson) Simley.  He lived his entire life in the village of Black Earth.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Black Earth Lutheran Church.  He graduated from Black Earth High School in 1923 and was the last surviving member.  On September 22, 1926, he was married to Cora Bakken and they celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary.

Irvin was a lifelong Black Earth resident and was owner and operator of Simley's Food Market from 1925 to 1979.  After closing the store Irvin had a wood working shop in the former store building and later in a new building.  He built hundreds of pieces of beautiful furniture, clocks, and numerous items.

He served as president of the Black Earth Telephone Co. for 48 years -1946-1994.  In earlier years, he worked on Highway KP and at the local drug store.

In his  mid 20's, he worked at Patron's Mercantile Co. as cashier before going into business.

He served on Black Earth Village board  for several years.

He was an active member of the church and community.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and boating.

He was co-founder of the Black Earth Community Club.  He played amateur baseball for Black Earth for more than 10 years and basketball after high school.  He had the first self serve store in the area.

He was a member of the Senior Bowling League at Hare's Town Bowl in Middleton from 1980-1993.

At age 65, Irvin took on serving the role of father and mentor in assisting his daughter with her 5 children after the passing of their father.

He was honored as Grand Marshall for the Black Earth Field Days Parade on August 11, 2002.

He was a member of the former Black Earth Lutheran Church (Our Saviour's Lutheran Church), where he served as a church board member.

Survivors Include:            His wife, Cora

His Children:            Corinne DeWitt of Black Earth

                                                                    Dr. Virgil (Gloria) Simley of Monona

                                                                    David (Rae Ann) Simley of Greendale

                                    9 Grandchildren:           Warren,

                                                                        Edward,

                                                                        Terry (Holly) DeWitt

                                                                        Leslie (Mark) Heding

                                                                        Jeffrey (Mary),

                                                                        John (Donna),

                                                                        Jennifer,

                                                                        Karl Simley

Catherine Beach

8 Great Grandchildren

                                    And many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers:  Otis, Dr. Alfred, and Elvin Simley, A grandson:  Frank DeWitt, and a son-in-law:  Gordon DeWitt.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 24,2002, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Black Earth with Rev. Ron Mach  and Rev. John Shep officiating.  Burial will be at Vermont Lutheran Cemetery.  Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, August 23, 2002 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Black Earth, WI.

The Ellestad Black Earth Funeral Home is serving the family.

Irvin was a kind, hard-working, generous loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.