Simon Ganet Chicago, IL Obituary Death – Windy City Curling Club member Has Died
It is with profound sorrow that family and loved ones announce the passing of Simon Leonard Ganet, who died on May 9, 2026, at the age of 36 following a courageous battle with leukemia. Surrounded by the unwavering love of his family, Simon faced his illness with remarkable strength, grace, and optimism, continuing to bring comfort and joy to those around him even during life’s most difficult moments.
His passing has left a deep ache in the hearts of relatives, lifelong friends, neighbors, colleagues, and the many communities he helped build throughout his life. Those closest to Simon say his warmth, humor, and extraordinary ability to make people feel seen and valued defined the way he moved through the world.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Larry and Gale Ganet, Simon grew up in a loving and close-knit family alongside his twin brother, Elliot, older brother Max, and younger sister Nina. Family members recall a childhood filled with laughter, loyalty, and strong family bonds that remained central to Simon’s life as he grew older. From an early age, he displayed the welcoming spirit and compassionate nature that would later become hallmarks of his personality.
Simon attended Naperville North High School before continuing his education at Western Illinois University, where he formed lasting friendships and created many of the memories that would shape his adult life. Friends from those years remember him as approachable, thoughtful, and effortlessly funny — someone who could turn strangers into friends within moments.
One of the defining chapters of Simon’s life began unexpectedly when he walked into The Damen Tavern and met Anne Hoesly, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. What started as a chance encounter quickly developed into a deep and enduring connection rooted in love, trust, and friendship. Their relationship became a source of joy and strength for both of them, culminating in their marriage on October 2, 2021.
Those who knew Simon say his greatest gift was his ability to create genuine connection. Whether through a quick joke, a heartfelt conversation, or a simple gesture of kindness, he made people feel welcomed and appreciated. Friends fondly remember his homemade banana bread, his easygoing humor, and the way he instinctively cared for others without ever expecting recognition in return.
Simon possessed a rare social warmth that allowed him to move comfortably among many different circles of people. He loved bringing communities together through shared passions and experiences. Curling, baseball, baking, and gathering with friends were among the activities that brought him happiness, but more important to Simon than the hobbies themselves were the relationships formed around them.
Loved ones say Simon approached life with sincerity, curiosity, and unwavering loyalty. Even during his battle with leukemia, he continued to inspire others through his resilience and positivity. Family and friends describe him as someone who refused to allow hardship to diminish his compassion or his ability to care deeply for those around him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anne Hoesly; his parents, Larry and Gale Ganet; his siblings Max (Caitlin) Ganet, Elliot (Samantha) Ganet, and Nina Ganet; his sister-in-law Susan Hoesly and brother-in-law Jimmy DeBlasio; his treasured nephews Walter, Harvey, Gordon, Akiva, and Teddy; and his parents-in-law Michael and Nan Hoesly.
Simon was preceded in death by his grandparents Janet and Abner Ganet, Jane and Mel Seigel, and Hazel and Gordon MacLennan.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Etz Chaim. Shiva gatherings will take place in Glen Ellyn and Oak Park as family members, friends, and loved ones gather to honor Simon’s life and share memories of the love and joy he brought into the world.
Though his life ended far too soon, Simon Leonard Ganet leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by years. He will be remembered for the countless friendships he nurtured, the comfort he offered others, the laughter he created, and the enduring kindness that shaped every room he entered. For all who knew him, Simon’s memory will remain a lasting source of love, inspiration, and gratitude.