Gladys J. Leitermann Simonis Giacalone

Gladys Leitermann Simonis Giacalone, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on May 6^th, 2024, at the age of 97. She was born September 17^th, 1926, in Marathon City. She married C. Dean Simonis at St. Mary's in Marathon City in 1945, and Dean passed on January 19^th, 1971. She then married Francesco “Chic” Giacalone in 1984. He passed on March 1^st, 1998.

Gladys attended St. Mary's School and Marathon High School, graduating in 1939 and 1943, respectively.

She served as the secretary of St. Paul School and St. Paul Parish for 23 years and was a valued member of the adult choir.

Gladys' love and dedication to her family was evident throughout her life. She emphasized the importance of education and shared her passion for sports teams like the Packers and Brewers, as well as cribbage where she had a perfect 29 hand. She was a strong advocate against school bullying and was actively involved in the St. Monica Society, Wausau Deanery, and DCCW. Gladys held various officer positions in these groups. She enjoyed traveling to visit relatives in Germany and other countries as well having a sitting with Pope Paul VI in Rome. Gladys was known for her delicious lumpy potatoes and burnt cookies.

She is survived by her sons John (Linda) Simonis, Charles Simonis, and Glen (Lori) Simonis, along with grandchildren Josh (Traci) Simonis, Brooke Simonis, Jason (Amber) Simonis, and Dean Simonis. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Cody (Kendra) Simonis, Carter Simonis, Makayla Doll, Skye Simonis, and Sophia Simonis, as well as great-great-grandchild Morgan Simonis.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Erwin and Caroline Graf Leitermann, in-laws Maurice and Meta Simonis, Grandson Jason Simonis (son of John and Linda Simonis), sister Mavis (Leonard) Kleist and their daughter Catherine, and brother Dennis (Donna) Leitermann and their daughter Gayle Fifarek. Surviving family members include nephews Rodney (Phyllis) Kleist, Michael (Karen) Kleist, Mark (Deann) Kleist, Charles (Joan) Leitermann, Jeff (Darla) Leitermann, and nephew-in-law David Fifarek.

A huge thank you to the comfort care staff at Marshfield Medical Center of Weston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 10, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate.  Burial will take place at St. Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9am until the time of service, all at the church.  Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements, online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.