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Joseph E. Simak, age 91, of Kelloggsville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Ashtabula County Medical Center. He was born June 17, 1930, in Cleveland, OH to the late Joseph and Mary (Dinnebier) Simak.
Joe moved to Monroe Township at the age of 7 where he spent the remainder of his life. He attended Kingsville School where he lettered in basketball and track. On August 30, 1947, in Westfield, N.Y., Joe married the love of his life, Marilyn (Applebee). Over the next couple years, Joe began farming before purchasing his first Single-Axle dump truck, in 1956—the beginning of what is now his legacy—Simak Trucking & Excavating, Inc. Joe was a fair, honest, hard-working businessman. He was dedicated to making his trucking company a success. Joe also had a profound love for music. He played in several country bands, including the Country Gentlemen. His love for music didn’t end there. He enjoyed polka dancing with Marilyn and they could certainly show off their moves on the dance floor! They also enjoyed traveling together, visiting nearly every one of the fifty states including Alaska in their Itasca motor home. Joe’s love and dedication for his wife really showed throughout their 74 years of marriage. They met in the third grade at Kingsville Elementary School. In 1983, Joe bought the building for sentimental reasons. He later donated the building to the library. It is now known as the Simak Welcome Center.
Joe was a dedicated family man, he loved and cherished them all. He prided himself on being able to provide for his family, but he also gave back to the community many times throughout the years. Joe had a strong love for animals from his horses, cows, and pigs, to his precious dog Rosey. Joe also enjoyed spending time with his friends and was an avid Cleveland sports fan. Joe was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the American Legion.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Marilyn; children, Joseph W. (Toni) Simak, Jon (Debbie) Simak, and Marti (Bob) Picard; grandchildren, Manuela (Mark) Mosier, Tony (Paula) Balascio, Michael Balascio, Eric (Kathleen) McCroskey, Michelle (Robert) Shetler, Jodi (Charles) Cronk, Nicole (Timothy) Bruckman, Jeremy (Christa) Simak, Lori (David) Stright, and Jaimie (Scotty) Picard; twenty-nine great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Dratwa and Maryanne (Norman) Thorpe; his beloved dog, Rosey; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Simak; mother and step-father, Mary and Ernest Fiala; sister Rebecca Wheeler; great-granddaughter Skilyr Hicks; and great-great granddaughter Everleigh Hicks.
Funeral service will be 12:00 PM, Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene, 4841 St. Rt. 84, Kingsville, OH.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, February 25, 2022 and also from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at noon on Saturday, all at the Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004 or the Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene, 4841 Bushnell Rd., Conneaut, OH 44030. Envelopes will be available at the church and also at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.
Leave a memory or light a candle at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph E. Simak, please visit our floral store.
Animal Protective League
5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula OH 44004
Web: http://ACAPL.org
Kelloggsville Church of Nazarene
4841 Bushnell Rd, Conneaut OH 44030