Peter Simon

Peter Simon, 98, of Traverse City, died January 17, 2025 at his home in Leelanau County. Peter was born in Saginaw Michigan to Peter Simon Sr. and Florence Schmidt. Peter was preceded in death by his son, Eric, wife Carol, sisters Joan Brandt, Eleanor Cahoon, Edna Norris, Catherine Lewis, and brother Elmer Simon. As children, both Peter and Carol attended Holy Cross Lutheran School and Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw. They married in 1953. Peter served his country during World War II in the battle of Okinawa. Following the war, Peter lived in Boston, Massachusetts where he graduated from Franklin Technical Institute. Peter owned and operated the Simon Electrical Contracting Company, serving Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning Corporation. His interests in outdoor recreation led him to serve on the Midland Michigan County Parks Department Administrative Committee and to become a Boy Scout leader at St. John's Lutheran Church where he helped build a summer camp for all the Boy Scout troops in the Midland area. After moving his family to Traverse City in 1968, Peter custom-built lighting fixtures designed to be harmonious with a particular outdoor setting. He designed and custom-built flood lighting and feature lighting for bridges, towers, and commercial buildings throughout the country. Peter patented a "no-glare" flood light for airports which was installed in most major airports. He was a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, serving on its Outdoor Environment Lighting Committee. His love and respect for the natural world made him a pioneer in the Dark Sky Initiative aimed at restoring and protecting the nighttime environment from the harmful effects of light pollution. As a charter member of the Maritime Heritage Alliance Peter served 14 years on its Board of Directors. At Trinity Lutheran Church he served on building committees and for a number of years served as a church trustee. He was on the Elmwood Township Zoning Board of Appeals and for 16 years was president of the Timberlee Property Association. Peter and his wife, Carol, enjoyed skiing, sailboating, and canoeing as well as life's many spur of the moment adventures. Peter attributes his enjoyable life to his faith in Christ Jesus. He kept a copy of 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 in his wallet as a reminder to show love and preserve the dignity of others. He was a humble leader who sought to serve with wisdom. Peter is survived by his daughters, Kristel (Bill) Wiesner, and Sonja (Dale) Robertson, six grandchildren: Grace Wiesner, Annalisa (Jonathon) Tanas, Clare (Andrew) Tiemann, Charles (Emily) Robertson, Leland Robertson, Tatyana Robertson; and two great granddaughters: Eden Tanas and Evelyn Tiemann. Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1003 South Maple St, on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Visitation at the church will be from 9:30-11:30 am followed by the funeral service at 11:30. Lunch will be served in the church fellowship hall after the service. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City.

Peter Simon

May 31, 1926 - January 17, 2025