Larry “Simo” Simonsen, 70, longtime resident of Crystal Lake, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on October 28, 2023. He was born on October 9, 1953 in Elgin, IL to Folmer and Katherine Simonsen.
On Valentine’s Day in 1975, Larry married Pamela Koch in Crystal Lake. Together they celebrated 48 beautiful years and were blessed with a daughter, Erin. For over 20 years, Larry worked in the automotive collision and restoration industry until his retirement from Custom Classics Collision and Restoration on December 31, 2019.
Larry was an avid golfer, especially at Oak Grove Golf Course in Harvard. He greatly enjoyed race cars, whether it was driving, watching, or building them. One of Larry’s greatest joys was a good cheese and sausage pizza or a good racetrack hot dog.
Everywhere Larry went he always made a friend, whether it was people or dogs he was loved by all, particularly his grand-dogs, Diezel, Tawny and Riggs.
Larry is survived by his loving wife Pamela; his daughter, Erin (Gregg) Nagl; his brother, Jerry (Georgia) Simonsen; sister-in-law, Jean Simonsen and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Folmer “Dale” (the late Noreen) Simonsen and Roger Simonsen.
Services will be held privately by the family. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association, www.heart.org or to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905, Donate Online
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Deepest sympathy for Larry’s family & the Simonsen family’s.I only met Larry when he was a young child, as my family visited Folmer & Kathy at their home in Crystal Lake. Peace be with you Larry. A 'Praying Hands' gesture was posted
Arden Miller
Nov 03, 2023
Oh so sad to hear of Larry’s passing! His warm, friendly personality, along with that wide smile, made him a friend to everyone who met him. He was a true “car guy” for sure and a great family man as well. Our condolences to Pam, Erin, Greg and his entire family.The fact that we will never share another pizza or good late model race with Larry is truly painful. But we know that when shock, grief and sting of his sudden passing fades a bit, our memories of Larry will turn from tears , to big wide smiles!! As I think he would want!!We’ll miss you Larry!Rest in peace !! And thank you!!
Joann & Jim Holsten
Oct 31, 2023
I am truly blessed to have met your daughter Erin! Because of meeting Erin, I met you Larry, the kindest, caring, loving & funniest man ever! You, brought so much joy to so many people! So happy you are not suffering anymore, you are in a better place! I’ll be keeping an eye on Pam & Erin for you! Now you don’t have to be worried about being served moldy Zucchini bread!!Love always & foreverJan ♥️
Jan Zehe
Oct 29, 2023
Oh Dad. You have left us way too soon but we know you are no longer struggling to keep going day to day. You have been the best Dad a girl could EVER ask for. I’m so grateful to you for everything you have shown me, taught me, done for me and all the wonderful memories you have left me with. I promise I will talk to you everyday, I will take good care of mom, I will wash our cars every week, I will always have a pizza in your honor, I will always eat Portillos and think of you, everytime I pass a golf course, I will shed a tear, anytime I see a hot rod, I will think of you, and I will hug and kiss your grand dogs everyday. And I want you to know, I will ALWAYS be here for you if you ever want to mystically pop in and appear, I welcome you with open arms. You are with your brothers, mom, dad and Boomer now. I Love You Dad Always and Forever,Your Daughter,Erin
Erin Nagl
Oct 29, 2023
Eternal affection arrangement was purchased for the family of Larry "Simo" Simonsen by Love, Jerry & Georgia and family. In Loving Memory of our Brother!Love, Jerry & Georgia and family
Love, Jerry & Georgia And Family
Nov 02, 2023
I was fortunate enough to work with Larry at Custom Classics, we instantly clicked sharing the passion for Hot Rods and cool cars. Him and I shared stories about previously owned cars and current cars all the time. We would always ask each other monday mornings, "did you get your car out over the weekend"? Anyone that got the chance to know him, loved him. He touched alot of lives and others should be inspired to be like him. Our hearts go out to Pam, Erin and Gregg. Please know that he will never be forgotten. What a great man.
Dave And Jennie Colby
Oct 30, 2023
I will always remember the day I felt like I won the lottery. Not only had I married my beautiful wife Erin but I also inherited the best Father in Law a person could ask for. I will deeply miss you Larry. Your words of wisdom and guidance will always be cherished along with your zest for life. I will miss all the things we have done together and all the laughs we have shared together. You were not only my father in law but one of my best friends. I know you’re in God’s hands now, so make sure you yell “four” as to not hit any of us down below. Love you Pa!
Gregg Nagl
Oct 29, 2023
Designer's choice bouquet was purchased for the family of Larry "Simo" Simonsen.
Expression Of Sympathy
Nov 01, 2023
We are so saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. Jim and I loved our friend so much. We had so much fun racing old car 72 with him. Lots of fun and laughts, good memories. Our hearts are broken for you Pam and Erin. He was a good man. Please call us if we can do anything for you.
Jim & Jean Eggebrecht
Oct 30, 2023
I was truly Blessed to have met Larry about 25 years ago. He cane to work at Custom Classics , and my life and everyone’s at CC was never the same. we latterly laughed our way through the next twenty years together . The practical jokes he would play on everyone were great. I could fill this page with funny stories of larry . He had a Zest for life and taught me to appreciate even the little things, he was like a big brother to me.We were all blessed again this last month when I ask Larry if he could come out of retirement for a month or so and help us out. so we were all so lucky to spend more time with him. there will never be anyone like him.I loved that guy and He made us all enjoy life just a bit more. His funny stores and the great memories of all our crazy road trips and car auctions will live on in my memories for the rest of my days .Rest in peace my good friend, you will be missed very much by all of us who knew him.
Bryan Reehoff
Oct 29, 2023
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