Ray Charles Simurdak

Ray Charles Simurdak passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at the Sheridan Manor Nursing Home in Sheridan, Wyo. He was born Nov. 5, 1938, in Phillips, Wisc.

At the age of 15, he and his family moved from their life on the farm to mountainous Libby, Montana. There he loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and riding dirt bikes. Ray served two years in the U.S. Army Reserve then married.

He and his first wife built their home, raised a son and daughter, and opened a motorcycle dealership in Libby. Ray later moved to Wyoming to start a new life in 1977 with his new bride. In Sheridan, Ray and Aggie had a son and daughter and opened their store, Agray’s, which they operated for 36 years.

Every chance he had, he shared his love of hunting, fishing, camping and riding ATVs with the family. He was industrious and always busy building, inventing and gardening.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Simurdak. He is survived by his wife, Aggie Simurdak; their children, Jeremy (Becka) Simurdak and Katy (Cliff) Bittner of Sheridan, Wyo.; the children of his previous marriage, Greg Simurdak of Hood River, Ore., and Gina Grundemann (Bob) of Montrose, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Diane, Tom, Clifton, Royce, Tera, Brynn, Finn, Allie and Lucien; Ray’s brothers, Dan Simurdak, Jerry Simurdak, Elmer Simurdak; and sister, Diana (Charlie) Harris.

A viewing will be held on Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. followed by the Rosary at 5:30 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church on Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. in Sheridan, Wyo.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements