Simon Nathaniel Spulak

From a very young age, Simon was a spontaneous spirit drawn to the energy and excitement of pushing limits, leaping into fast moving rivers, breaking neighborhood pogo stick jumping records, and making mischief with his close friends. Some say it was the red in his hair, but those who knew him know it ran deeper, to his very core. Simon was the third of five children and grew up hanging out with neighborhood companions on the east side of Marquette, swimming, biking, and playing soccer and softball in the backyard. Simon attended grade school through high school in Marquette, Michigan and graduated with the Marquette Senior High School Class of 2004. In childhood and his adult life, Simon was a visionary, on an infinite quest for exploring the unknown. Few, if any, could quell his desire to see, do, and try new things. His interest in cooking illustrates this well. He enjoyed trying his hand at grilled, baked, and uniquely seasoned foods. Whether with others or on his own, he was always sharing creations he discovered and new recipes he concocted, often to the tune of his newest musical exploits and accompanied by a freeness only to be attained in dancing around the kitchen. His food-centric pursuits were not limited to a hobby; Throughout his time in Marquette Simon worked in a variety of culinary capacities at The New York Deli, The Vineyard, The Blue Link, and Huron Mountain Bakery. Simon also adventured regularly in the outdoors. He was an avid hiker, biker, backpacker, cross country skier, and loved swimming in Lake Superior. Nature was not his only respite; Simon also loved getting lost in his books and games of cribbage. This no doubt fueled his sharp mind and colored a creative imagination capable of inventive drawings. Simon’s closest friends and family will forever remember his kindness, giving heart, and wit. He was constantly looking for lightness and levity but never compromised his authentic nature in the pursuit of embellishing a story, acutely depicting nuance, and artfully extracting humor, leaving many an audience with sore sides from unending laughter. He lent a helping hand whenever he could to neighbors and customers alike and had a reputation for being not only clever and likeable but an insightful confidante and friend to those who needed a listening ear. His quiet kindness of heart was, to most, his most endearing quality. Both children and animals gravitated to him, which surely highlights his trustworthy and intuitive nature. He was loved dearly and will be missed with all the fervor he brought to the world. Simon was predeceased by grandmother, Charlotte Hughes, who played a large role in his life.

Simon is survived by grandfather, Rodney Hughes and grandmother, Beverly Spulak, his parents, Nancy Hughes and Bruce Spulak, second father, David Kadell, sister, Andria Kadell, brothers, Dustin Spulak, Mathew Kadell, Zachary Spulak and wife, Becky, niece, Stella, nephews, Abram and Harris, loving neighbor, Ludmilla Grahmann, furry friend, Bailey, and countless other loved family members – aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as several cherished coworkers. There will be no formal burial to honor Simon’s wishes; cremation to occur in the coming weeks and remembrance gathering arrangements will be announced henceforth. Simon’s family would like to extend thanks to all those who have been helpful and supportive in the wake of Simon’s unexpected death.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.