Albert L. Simaz

Albert Simaz of Eau Claire passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Albert was born October 10, 1927 in Chicago Illinois to John and Helen (Gosnick) Simaz Al was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that loved his family deeply. Al and his wife Rose raised 7 children. He taught them all to value and appreciate their catholic faith, family, strong work ethic, adventure, the great outdoors and education. He proudly served his country in WWII as part of the 61st field artillery battalion of the Army from 1946-1948. Al worked his entire life in the construction field, starting out as a bricklayer and later running his own SIGO Construction company, with his partner Harold Gosnick, that built the Benton Harbor Public Library. He loved the sport of wrestling both as a referee and a proud fan of his sons and grandsons. He loved the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees. Al had a love and appreciation for everything in nature. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he could identify and name every tree and bird in Michigan. He looked forward every fall to the deer hunting trip to his UP cabin with his sons. Al was a master woodworker and enjoyed the time in his workshop building family treasures. Al was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Rose and his brother William. Surviving are his seven children, Tony Simaz, John (Diane) Simaz, Sue (Jim) Rundborg, Joe (Annette) Simaz, Bill (Jean) Simaz, Judy (Doug) Smith, and Mike (Caroline) Simaz, 17 grandchildren and their spouses, and six great grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 29 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart of Mary Church at 51841 Leach Road, Dowagiac, MI. Visitation will take place from 9-11am prior to the mass at the church. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to any Hospice Service of your choice. Like all the tough and strong members of the greatest generation Albert will be deeply missed by all who loved him.