Homer V Simpson

    The “Real Homer Simpson“ never met a person he didn’t love and respect…and everyone who met the “Real Homer Simpson” loved and respected him. He was just that kind of guy…lovable and worthy of respect…he touched so many lives with his goodness! That goodness passed from this life on May 13, 2023, from an unexpected heart attack. Our loss was heaven’s gain.

     Homer was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Ellen McKnight Simpson and Homer Virgil Simpson on January 22, 1954. Homer grew up in Monona, Wisconsin where he spent his younger life causing mischief, hunting, fishing, carp spearing, and just loving every minute of being outdoors. His love of hunting began with his father who often took him coon hunting. This love of hunting grew, not only statewide in Wisconsin, but worldwide…to Montana, the Arctic, Canada, and New Mexico. Homer was quite a storyteller. He loved to ask, “Did I ever tell you the story about the bear I shot, or about being lifted out of Montana in a helicopter?” People were always ready to listen. His other passions were stock car racing, motor-cross (in his younger life he won many state championships.) He was definitely “a man of hobbies”…skeet-shooting; boating; fishing; camping; and of course, cheering on the Green Bay Packers.  

     With the passing of Homer’s father, the owner of the Antlers Tavern, the Antlers’ ownership was passed on to Homer. Homer loved the Antlers and in addition to being a welcoming presence to everyone who entered, he was famous for organizing many fundraisers for people with cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses. One fundraiser that was particularly close to his heart was the ALS fundraiser, an illness that finally took his brother-in-law, Bill Coats.

     With the creation of the Homer Simpson Show on television in the 1980s, the “Real Homer Simpson” was deluged with countless interviews and news articles…from Paula Zahn to Time Magazine. He became quite the celebrity.

     In 1982, Homer met Susan Lehman who became the love of his life and his soulmate in the early 90’s. They were married on St. Thomas Island in 1998 and celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on April 23, 2023. During their 25 years of marriage, they lived in Stoughton and Hillsboro, Wisconsin; where Homer loved to care for the land, hunt with his “buddies,” and they both treasured their neighbors. But…they found their “happy place” in St. Pete Beach, Florida where they spent many months each year during the winter. For sixteen of those 25 years they became foster parents to dozens of children and have continued to keep close relationships with the families. They also opened their home to international students for many years, keeping in touch with the students after they returned home. During those 25 years they loved traveling with Susan’s parents Don and Rosemary Lehman, to Hawaii, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.  

     Friends and relatives, close to Homer, have had this to say about this generous and humble man: In our last conversation, Homer said he had never been happier with his life; Homer was truly an exceptional man in so many ways; He was such a good man, loving, kind, and so much joy in his smile; Homer did so much for so many…the most humble, kind, thoughtful, and giving person to all; We have many fond memories of evenings spent at the Antlers! Homer was truly a one-of-a-kind guy who loved his family, friends, and fun; He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. The kindness he and Susan showed my family and in-laws…was heart-warming; We have truly lost a good soul.

     Homer’s surviving family includes his wife Susan Simpson, Ellen (Steve) Doran, Christopher Simpson, Sholonda Moses, Kamaya Simpson, Malekai Simpson, and AnnastaZja Moses; grandchildren Taylor Payne, Finlee Doran, and Jack Doran; relatives, Joan (McKnight) Coats, Lou (Dave) Coats, Owen (Heather) Coats, Vicki Coats, Margo McKnight, and many nieces and nephews.

     Homer was preceded in death by his parents Ellen McKnight Simpson and Homer Virgil Simpson, sister Sharon Nelson, brother Gerald McKnight, brother-in-law Bill Coats, nephew Rick “Rapid” Coats, and father-in-law Donald Lehman. We can only imagine the stories that are being told, the heavenly reception that is being held, and the glorious time they are all having! 

     The family would like to thank the Hillsboro EMT and the staff at Gunderson Hillsboro Hospital for their compassion and care. They are also grateful to friends who were present at the hospital with the family…Tanker and Cheryl Zander and Rocky and Myra Sabini. The additional support of their many neighbors, along with the surrounding Amish community has been heartwarming. A special “thank you” to Pastor Mike Breininger who with the family and friends, prayed Homer safely to the “other side.”

     A Celebration of Life is planned for Homer at New House Richland, 26700 Fellowship Lane, Richland Center, WI on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. Memorial donations can be sent to the American Heart Association for ongoing heart disease research.

     The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting with arrangements.

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