Douglas L. Simonson, 83, passed away Sept. 7, 2026, in Fremont, Nebraska. He was born Oct. 11, 1942, to Jack and Kathryn (Miller) Simonson. He grew up a cowboy in rural Mullen, Nebraska.
Doug was 16 when he arrived on campus in 1958. As a member of UNL’s Rodeo Association, he won numerous bull riding awards at Nebras-ka intercollegiate events.
He met his wife Donna Lee Barksdale at UNL’s Student Union. Doug graduated with a major in Business Administration and simultaneously acquired a real estate license.
The couple had three children together.
Doug was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and ROTC. The couple moved to Wahoo.
He and Donna were members and officers in the Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees. At the age of 24 he acquired commodity and stock broker licenses and purchased the Ford dealership.
Doug was a true entrepreneur. Along with his family, they opened businesses in multiple locations around the state and country including: candy stores (The Incredible Bulk), yogurt shops (Mondo’s Frozen Yogurt), Bojangles Bar & Grill, Bone Appetit (dog bakeries that were franchised in several states) and Sharky’s Brewery (which took home a bronze medal for their Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale at The Great American Beer Festival).
Doug purchased Valley View Golf Course in Fremont in 1984, which continues to thrive as a family-owned and operated business.
Doug was an avid reader and winemaker. He designed koi ponds and raised fish.
Doug’s stories, advice, dance moves and positivity will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Doug is survived by wife, Donna; sons, Kevin (Perry), Mark (Douglas) and daughter, Kristine (Barbara); grandkids, Carlee, Cassandra, Chloe, Elijah, and Zachary; great-grandchildren Emeilia, Michael and Theodore. And Polo. Doug is preceded in death by son, Randy Gerdts and grandson, Benjamin Douglas Simonson.
A celebration of Douger’s life will be held at the Valley View Golf Course clubhouse on Oct. 11 (Doug’s birthday) from 1-4 p.m. CT. Help us celebrate Doug’s unique and wonderful life with food, drink and camaraderie. Casual attire is encouraged.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels. com.