Nicholas Joseph Simque passed away January 29, 2019 at Sheridan Manor in Sheridan, WY at the age of 93. He was born to Hungarian immigrant parents, Nicholas and Mary Simque on March 2, 1925 in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area and joined the army in 1944. His lifelong friend, Walt Weber (recently passed away in Riverton, WY), also joined the army and after the war they traveled across the country to see an old Army buddy in Pavillion, WY. Nick and Walt were both musicians and played for the Pavillion New Years Eve dance. Both ended up settling in Riverton in the early 1950’s.
Nick followed in his father’s footsteps and became a painter, living and painting in Riverton and Lander, WY and Helena, MT. He moved his business to Sheridan in the late 90’s where he worked until he hung up his brushes and ladders at the age of 80. Many local Sheridan residents remember the pea green pickup with his business name, Simque Painting, on the side. He was a member of the Elks and Eagles and played the fiddle, banjo and mandolin in numerous bands and as a member of the Old Time Fiddlers both in Helena and Sheridan.
Nick married Etta Genene Gardner (1952-1962 deceased 2017) and was preceded in death by three siblings and granddaughter Valerie Barnes. He is survived by sisters Millie McDonough and Eleanore Jones, numerous nieces and nephews and his four children, Evelyn Gernaat (Ronald) and Kathy Courtney (Bill) both of Sheridan, Nick Simque (Beajay) of Gillette and David Simque (Juli) of Lake City, Florida, 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
The Visitation will be held at 10:30 am at Kane Funeral Home followed by a Graveside Service with Military Honors at 11:00 am on Friday, February 1st in the Juniper Heights Section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will continue with a traditional Hungarian Dinner in the Kane Reception Hall.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
