Richard L. "Rich" Simac

"It's been one beautiful ride this life of mine. Thanks to the Grace of God and good Simac genes from my father and mother, Frank and Jan Simac-and my 3 uncles from Eagle River: Tom, Joe and John-I made it as far as I could (too much smoking-Don't do it!!)

Born May 29, 1943 in Rhinelander, WI and lived there for about 5 years, then in Harvey, IL until I was 21. Four years in high school-Thornton High- 1 year Thornton Jr. College-A lot of basketball in those 5 years.

I was blessed with 3 great families. The Simacs, then the Darling family from Rhinelander-my first wife's family. Married at 21 to Betty Darling and we had 4 precious children: Debbie, Patti, Rhonda and Richard Frank. Betty and I made it together for 19 years-then we parted. The third family was the Eberts and Christensens-my wife, Carol's, family. Carol and I were married 40 blessed years.

I worked for Procter & Gamble Paper for 30 years as a pipefitter. What a great and professional sisterhood we were. I loved my sports more than anything."

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol; his 4 children: Debbie Simac, Patti (Santos) Mejia, Rhonda Simac and Richard Frank (Mary) Simac; 6 grandchildren: Jason Byng, Brandon (Mattie) Blake, Danielle Dupey, Connor Behnke, Luke and Emmy Mejia; 3 great-grandchildren: Charlie, Everly and Bennett Blake and 4 siblings: Gerald and James Simac, Judy Smith and Susan Larabee. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, Pam Simac, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Simac.

A celebration of life will be held at Newcomer Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM. A memorial service will follow at 2 PM. 

Richard's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Bellin ICU staff for their incredible care and compassion.