Paul Simon

A fond lover of all people, Paul Simon was a loving husband, father, and friend to many. He modeled a genuine interest in those around him. A great listener, mentor, and storyteller, many people leaned on his wisdom for advice and support. There is no doubt that Paul will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his many special friends and loved ones for generations to come.

The 1940s were characterized by WWII. Much of this decade was spent in a battle for a way of life that the country and Western powers had spent two centuries building. By 1947, some of the most significant inventions had been created, including the Transistor and conception of the Mobile Phone. That same year, Paul was born on August 27th to a set of loving parents. He was the oldest of five sisters and a brother. His birth added much joy and happiness to their loving family home.

Paul’s childhood was typical of the times. He had fond memories of camping along the Black River as a kid. He often told the story of setting a trap for the noises they heard outside their tent and catching a wolverine! His love of storytelling was a theme that ran throughout his life. A highlight of these early years was becoming an Eagle Scout with Troop 39 in Milwood. He loved telling stories about his time at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. In high school, Paul participated in pole vaulting on the track team and held a strong interest in becoming an artist. After graduation, he enrolled at Kellogg Community College then continued at WMU to pursue his dream and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in art education, and later completed his Master’s degree. Paul’s remarkable thirty-three-year career in teaching art began and ended at Hastings Middle School, where he also coached track. He was well-loved by his students and staff during his tenure and was visited by former students year after year. After retiring, Paul continued teaching art at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo for an additional twenty years.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of the love of his life, Christine Petersen. Although they were on separate dates at prom, it was a night they both took notice. A month after the dance, Paul asked her out, and the rest was history! Smitten and eager to settle down, the happy couple joined in marriage in 1969. Together, they welcomed home three wonderful sons.

As a father, he was always supportive and encouraging. He and Christine built an accepting home that attracted plenty of neighborhood kids, creating a popular hangout spot! Nothing brought him more joy than coaching his kids and their friends through Westwood Little League, attending all their baseball, softball, track, soccer, and football games, and watching his sons grow into the men they are. Even as adults, Paul never missed any of their games, being their loudest and most passionate fan from the sidelines! During his summers off, they loaded up the family station wagon, with a pop-up camper hitched behind them, and visited countless National Parks. A memorable destination was Yellowstone National Park. Back in Michigan, they enjoyed staying in a log cabin in Brutus, near Petoskey. Half of the cabin was on stilts above the water, allowing them to fish from the windows of the cabin! They also enjoyed rock hunting and exploring together. Growing up with a potter’s wheel and kiln in their basement, it was no surprise the boys followed in Paul’s footsteps and chose career paths in art and sports. He was always there with guidance and helped build their confidence in anything they set out to accomplish.

Although pottery and painting were his favorite creative outlets, Paul also had many favorite pastimes. He and Christine had visited 49 of the 50 United States. Alaska and Florida were their favorites. During the colder winter months, they traveled to spend time in Florida, where they enjoyed many sunsets, happy hours, and visiting with their special friends. He had an extensive rock and seashell collection from their many travels. An avid golfer, Paul enjoyed working on many courses over the years. He particularly enjoyed playing in leagues with his son, nephew, and good friends. Above all else, he loved being surrounded by people, especially his family. Described as tender-hearted, loving, and genuine, Paul’s infectious smile and sense of humor will be sincerely missed by the countless lives he touched over the years.

Paul Kremer Simon, age 78, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, with his family. He was born in Kalamazoo and was a lifelong resident. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Christine; sons: James (Jane) Simon, Michael Simon, and Neil Simon; sisters: Theresa (John) Reitinger, Frances (Barney) Stockwell, and Loretta Thompson; in-laws, Vera Eernisse, Michael Petersen and John Petersen; and many nieces, nephews, and dear lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis P. and Jacqueline Simon; sisters, Cheryol Cutro and Louise Simon; and brother, Louis P. Simon III.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Crooks, Centra Care Navigators, and the staff at Kairos Dwelling for all their care and support.

Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 25, at 11 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park North. A Life Story Celebration will be held from 2-5 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Memorial donations to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or Kairos Dwelling. Celebrate Paul’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated web page at BetzlerLifeStory.com.