Memorials › Milton Jule “Mick” Simpson

Milton Jule “Mick” Simpson

22 Feb 1924 – 6 Apr 2013

Birth22 Feb 1924
Death6 Apr 2013
CemeteryCottonwood Cemetery
Burwell , Garfield County , Nebraska , USA
Added byDoris on 02 Oct 2014
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/107947208

Bio

BURWELL — Milton Jule "Mick" Simpson, 89, of Burwell died Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Burwell. Burial will be in Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, with the Rev. Dennis Davenport officiating. Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell is in charge of the arrangements. Mr. Simpson was born Feb. 22, 1924, in St. Edward to Henry and Eula (Phillipps) Simpson. Survivors of the immediate family include a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Judy Simpson of Burwell; three daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and Doug Roberts of Pueblo, Colo.; Nancy and Jerome Maxson of Kearney, and Paula and Matt Young of Milford; six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Donna Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colo. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. One of 12 children, six boys and six girls, Mick moved with his family to Burwell in 1933 in search of work. Mick graduated from Burwell High School in 1943, president of his senior class. Mick joined the armed services during World War II in 1943. His military education included training as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. He also served with the Army Corps of Engineers in England, France, and Germany in the building of bridges, airfields, mine clearings, and roads. He proudly served along with four of his five brothers. His mother kept five stars in her window in honor of her sons until they all came home. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, Mick returned home to the girl he left behind, Hilda Adamek. Hilda returned to Burwell in the spring of 1947 from California, where she had also contributed to the war effort by working as a riveter for the Boeing Aircraft Factory. They were married Aug. 9, 1947, in Grand Island, Neb. Together, they raised four children in whom they instilled their patriotism and love of God, country, and community. Mick worked hard in the plumbing business for 60 years. He first worked as a plumber for Bill Johnson and then started his own business, Burwell Plumbing and Well Drilling, with his partner, Les Stahlecker. In the fall of 1972, his son, Ron, and family moved home from Fairbanks, Alaska, and Ron began working in the business. After Mick and Les dissolved the partnership in 1975, Mick and Ron went into business together as operators of Burwell Plumbing and Heating. In 1990, Ron and Judy bought the business from Mick and Hilda. Although technically Mick was no longer the boss, Ron always lovingly continued to call his dad "Chief." Mick served customers in the plumbing business until he was in his 80s. Mick was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, American Legion Clifford Clark Post 298, and the Burwell Volunteer Fire Department. It was an honor for Mick to serve as a member of the Burwell Color Guard. He willingly gave of his time by helping each year with the avenue of flags in preparation for Memorial Day. While his children were in the public school system, Mick also served on the Burwell Public School Board. Mick loved all sports, especially the Burwell Longhorns, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the Chicago Cubs. He was an avid hunter and sportsman, but his greatest pastime was fishing. His favorite spot was at the Phillipps place in Brown County. He especially enjoyed outings with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He patiently baited hooks and untangled fishing lines, always giving the fishing accolades to the younger ones. In 1999, Mick earned his Master Angler award. Mick was a friend to all. Whether he was in his pickup or on the street, he always had a wave or a whistle for everyone. He had a keen sense of humor and a hearty laugh. He loved a good joke and rumor has it that he might have instigated a practical joke or two in his time. He relished his morning coffee group and the company of his friends. He was always ready for a good game of cards. Family was very important to Mick. He was proud of his four children and loved them deeply. He also enjoyed the company of extended family, including nieces and nephews. The Simpson family reunion was a special time of the year for him. Mick was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Robert (Buck), Henry (Jack), Donald (Doc), Darrell, and William (Bill) Simpson; and five sisters, Mildred Christensen, Naomi (Nippy) Snyder, Dorothy Wagner, Lola Greathouse, and Joan McGrew. Posted in Obituaries on Sunday, April 7, 2013 Grand Island Independent.

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