Francis John Simonsen

Francis John Simonsen, Fritz, was born on April 14, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Walter and Martha (Christiansen) Simonsen. He started going to the Young Men’s Christian Association as a young child and continued until he retired decades later. Fritz served YMCAs in Minneapolis, Chicago, Lansing, Rochester, and the New York City area. At the YMCA he developed a love for swimming, which continued all his life, including teaching swimming lessons and lifeguarding at the Butter Creek pool when he retired and moved to Blairsville in 1995. He was an avid canoer and sailor, sharing the joy of these sports and the beauty of nature with thousands of people. Camping was a favorite activity he shared with his family, particularly at YMCA Camp Gorham every summer and a once in a lifetime family trip across the country, from New York to California and back, camping at national parks all along the way.

Fritz was a lifelong learner and reader. If you were picking out a book for him, the best barometer was to make the choice by the width of the spine and number of pages. The more pages the better. His love of reading was passed down through the generations to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Fritz loved all kinds of sports, especially college football and basketball. He enjoyed playing golf, typically walking the course as he played.

Fritz was a man of deep faith and loved the devotional story:“ I’m Third” a personal mission he lived his life by: God first, others second, and I am third. Music was central to his faith, believing there was no better way to praise God and be in loving community with others, than to sing together. He enjoyed all kinds of music, big band, Broadway musicals, silly camp songs, religious, and barbershop music.

Fritz’s legacy is his family and the young people whose lives he changed. Through his work at the YMCA, Sunday school teacher and youth group advisor, a substitute teacher in Union County including Woody Gap school, and a CASA volunteer, he made a difference. His special dedication, passion, and patience for working with young people, particularly those who didn’t have someone else in their lives who believed in them, made a lasting impact.

Fritz was devoted to his family and took great pride and joy in each one. He loved sharing his lake with them, whether swimming or boating. As a daddy and grandpa, Fritz celebrated the gifts and interests of each family member and encouraged them to follow their dreams. Fritz’s love and commitment to Diane was the driving force of his life and he cherished the wonderful times they had together since high school.

Fritz is survived by his loving wife of over 65 years Diane; his daughters, Stacy (Steve), Ginny, (Stephen), and Christy (Bob); grandchildren Teresa (David), Clara (Mark), Joe (Mallory), Morgan (Bo), Justin (Lydia), and Jess; and great-grandson James. He is also survived by his cousins, sister-in-law, and nieces.

The family is thankful for the devoted and excellent care provided by Fritz’s caregivers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm at First Methodist Church of Union County. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the YMCA Camp Ihduhapi (3425 Ihduhapi Road

Loretto, MN 55357), YMCA Camp Gorham (265 Darts Lake Road Eagle Bay, NY 13331), Parkinson’s Foundation (1350 Broadway, Ste 1530, New York, NY 10018), or First United Methodist Church Blairsville GA (938 Highway 515 Blairsville GA 30512).