Jack Alan Simonsen

Jack A. Simonsen passed away in his sleep on October 17, 2015, in Edmond, Oklahoma, while visiting family. He was 82 years, and 22 days old. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M, until 8:00 P.M. on Friday evening October 23, 2015, at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Dwayne Ferguson on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 11 A.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery. The casket bearers will be Bill Simonsen, Jeff Simonsen, J.J. Simonsen, Bill Woods, Greg Rusie, Tim Rusie, Les Mackey, Keith Mackey, and Ted Littlefield.
Jack A. Simonsen was born September 26, 1933, in Exira, Iowa, the only child of Sam and Mary (Jensen) Simonsen. He attended Exira Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1951. Jack was baptized as an adult at the First Methodist Church in Audubon, Iowa.
Jack married Betty L. Williams on June 10, 1951, and they were happily married for over 64 years. They had two sons, Jerry and Brad. They made their home in Audubon, Iowa, until 1960, when they moved to Denison, Iowa. After retirement in 1995 they moved to Branson, Missouri.
Jack was a car man all his life. As a child he worked with his father in his car repair shop. As an adult he was a new car salesman, sales manager, general manager, partner, and owner selling Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles in Audubon and Denison, Iowa. For the final 14 years of his business career, he and Betty owned Johnson Motor Company in Denison.
In addition to running a successful business, raising and guiding a loving family, Jack was deeply involved in community activities. He was an adult scouter for over 14 years, serving as Cub Master for Pack 49 and Scoutmaster of Troop 55, both in Denison, Iowa. He was awarded Scouting's highest adult honor, the Silver Beaver. Jack enjoyed coaching his sons and their friends in baseball. He was a long time member of the Optimist Club and was President of the Denison Chamber of Commerce. He served on the board of directors of the Iowa Automobile Dealer Association, and was an active member of the National Automobile Dealer Association. Jack was an involved member of the Methodist Church in Audubon, Denison, and Branson. Jack and Betty loved to play golf, travel, visit family, and attending Branson shows
Jack was preceded in death by his son Brad Simonsen, and his daughter-in-law Linda Simonsen; and his parents, Sam and Mary Simonsen.
Survivors include his wife Betty Simonsen of Branson, Missouri; his son Jerry Simonsen of Lenexa, Kansas; his daughter-in-law Nancy Simonsen of Manilla, Iowa; his grandchildren Jennifer and husband Bill Woods of Lufkin, TX, J.J. and wife Piper Simonsen of Edmond, OK, Tracy Simonsen and Bill and wife Sheila Simonsen all of Manilla, Iowa, and Jeff and wife Tiffany Simonsen of North Liberty, Iowa; his seven great grandchildren; his sister-in-law Lavonne Littlefield of Exira, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jack was an honest businessman who dearly loved his family and was admired and respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.