William Matthew Sima, Sr. was 79 years old when he passed away on September 16th, 2019 in Downers Grove, IL. He was born in Chicago, IL, on November 11th, 1939, and grew up in a house that was built by his own father and grandfather in Broadview, IL, but moved to Downers Grove prior to starting school. He lived in a house he built on that same plot of land in Downers Grove for the rest of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William J. Sima and Rose (Vlasaty) Sima, as well as his beloved dog Buddy. He is survived by his three children, Denise Sima Bayer, Bill Sima, Jr., and David Sima, as well as his brother, Silas Sima, and his ex-spouse, Alice Nykl Sima. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren; Konrad, Ethan, and Noah, sons of Denise and Dr. Robert Bayer; Stephanie, William III, and Samantha, the children of Bill Jr. and his wife, Jill Sima; and Andy and Nick, sons of David and his wife, Meg Sima. Finally, he is also survived by his nephew, Phil, and niece, Carmen, as well as many cousins and his many close friends and acquaintances in and around the Downers Grove area.
He graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1958, and worked for Northern Illinois Gas, now Nicor Gas, for 35 years. He was always working his hands. He raised poultry and livestock on his property, kept a garden of vegetables and fruits for many years, and had an elaborate garage full of tools, machines, pieces, and parts. He enjoyed working with cars, and helped to found the Salt Creek Model A Club, which is still active today. His house was a monument to the tools of the trade, the creation of something out of raw materials, and of fixing things that were broken. This was a large facet of his character.
William was a man of few words and many actions. He was a loving, caring man, who did his best to show his affection in the ways he knew well. He adored his eight grandchildren, delighting in their company and spending time with them. There was never a doubt in anyone’s mind that he loved his grandchildren. But he also cared for his friends. For many years, he enjoyed eating breakfast with old coworkers and friends from the area. He liked animals, especially dogs. Buddy, his last animal companion, was perhaps the most loved of all his dogs.
William, will continue to be present in the lives of so many. He is truly loved by so many friends and family. His death is an absence in our lives, and he will be deeply missed.
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