Source: Wisconsin Air National Guard
Ex-Guard chief Simonson dies
[photo]
Hugh M. Simonson, who commanded
the 2,000-man task force that
peacefully ended the 34-day takeover
of the Alexian Brothers Novitiate at
Gresham in 1975, died Friday.
Simonson, 70, who occupied the
guard's top Wisconsin post before his
retirement, died in a Madison hospi-
tal.
A native of Pittsville, Simonson
served as an officer during World
War II with the Americal Division in
the South Pacific and in the Army of
Occupation in Japan.
In 1953, he began his full-time Na-
tional Guard career with assignments
at Camp Williams. In 1959, he was
designated state air defense officer
for the Nike Air Defense program,
Milwaukee.
In 1966, he was appointed chief of
staff for the Wisconsin National
Guard and in 1969, he was named
deputy adjutant general.
Former Gov. Patrick Lucey ap-
pointed Simonson adjutant general in
1977, making him senior commander
of the Wisconsin Army and Air Na-
tional Guard and chief of staff to the
governor.
He organized the Friend in the Air
helicopter medical evacuation pro-
gram, which operated on summer
weekends. He retired in 1979.
In 1975, Simonson commanded the
task force during the Menominee
Warriar Society's armed occupation
of the Alexian Brothers Novitiate.
He was awarded the Legion of
Merit and the National Guard Associ-
ation's meritorious service award for
his achievements as commander at
Gresham.
Friends may call at the Gunderson
Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive,
today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The fu-
neral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at
Bethel Lutheran Church. Memorials
may be given to the American Heart
Association.
--Madison Wisconsin State Journal; Sunday, November 1, 1987, Madison, Wisconsin
Hugh Simonson, the former Wis-
consin National Guard adjutant gen-
eral who gained national recognition
for his handling of the Menominee In-
dian takeover of a Roman Catholic
novitiate near Gresham in 1975, died
Friday in a Madison hospital....
--excerpt from Madison Capital Times; Monday, November 2, 1987
Spouse Angeline Bernadette Lychywek
Last Residence 53716, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA
Served as Adjutant General, Wisconsin National Guard
Name Hugh Melvin Simonson
Death Date 30 Oct 1987
Location Dane
Certificate 026391
Source: Wisconsin Air National Guard
Ex-Guard chief Simonson dies
[photo]
Hugh M. Simonson, who commanded
the 2,000-man task force that
peacefully ended the 34-day takeover
of the Alexian Brothers Novitiate at
Gresham in 1975, died Friday.
Simonson, 70, who occupied the
guard's top Wisconsin post before his
retirement, died in a Madison hospi-
tal.
A native of Pittsville, Simonson
served as an officer during World
War II with the Americal Division in
the South Pacific and in the Army of
Occupation in Japan.
In 1953, he began his full-time Na-
tional Guard career with assignments
at Camp Williams. In 1959, he was
designated state air defense officer
for the Nike Air Defense program,
Milwaukee.
In 1966, he was appointed chief of
staff for the Wisconsin National
Guard and in 1969, he was named
deputy adjutant general.
Former Gov. Patrick Lucey ap-
pointed Simonson adjutant general in
1977, making him senior commander
of the Wisconsin Army and Air Na-
tional Guard and chief of staff to the
governor.
He organized the Friend in the Air
helicopter medical evacuation pro-
gram, which operated on summer
weekends. He retired in 1979.
In 1975, Simonson commanded the
task force during the Menominee
Warriar Society's armed occupation
of the Alexian Brothers Novitiate.
He was awarded the Legion of
Merit and the National Guard Associ-
ation's meritorious service award for
his achievements as commander at
Gresham.
Friends may call at the Gunderson
Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive,
today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The fu-
neral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at
Bethel Lutheran Church. Memorials
may be given to the American Heart
Association.
--Madison Wisconsin State Journal; Sunday, November 1, 1987, Madison, Wisconsin
Hugh Simonson, the former Wis-
consin National Guard adjutant gen-
eral who gained national recognition
for his handling of the Menominee In-
dian takeover of a Roman Catholic
novitiate near Gresham in 1975, died
Friday in a Madison hospital....
--excerpt from Madison Capital Times; Monday, November 2, 1987
Spouse Angeline Bernadette Lychywek
Last Residence 53716, Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA
Served as Adjutant General, Wisconsin National Guard
Name Hugh Melvin Simonson
Death Date 30 Oct 1987
Location Dane
Certificate 026391
Inscription
Hugh M Simonson
Brig Gen US Army
World War II
Apr 2 1917 Oct 30 1987
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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