Simon Ganet Obituary Chicago, IL Death – A Windy City Curling Club member Has Died
Family members, friends, and communities across the Chicago area are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Simon Leonard Ganet, who passed away on May 9, 2026, at the age of 36 after a courageous and deeply challenging battle with leukemia.
Those closest to Simon say he met every stage of his illness with remarkable courage, unwavering optimism, and a sense of humor that never disappeared, even during the hardest days. Surrounded by family and the people who loved him most, Simon’s final chapter reflected the same compassion, resilience, and warmth that defined his entire life.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Simon was the beloved son of Larry and Gale Ganet and grew up in a family built on closeness, loyalty, and love. Alongside his twin brother Elliot, older brother Max, and younger sister Nina, Simon developed the strong relationships and caring spirit that remained at the center of his life from childhood through adulthood.
He attended Naperville North High School before enrolling at Western Illinois University, where he built lifelong friendships and became known for his welcoming personality and ability to connect effortlessly with people from all walks of life. Friends recall that Simon never allowed anyone around him to feel excluded or unnoticed. His kindness was natural, constant, and sincere.
Simon’s life was forever changed the day he met Anne Hoesly after walking into The Damen Tavern. Their relationship quickly became one grounded in friendship, laughter, trust, and unconditional love. Loved ones say the connection between Simon and Anne was immediate and unmistakable, growing into a partnership that inspired everyone around them. The couple married on October 2, 2021, beginning a marriage filled with deep affection and unwavering support.
To know Simon was to experience his generosity and genuine care for others. He had an extraordinary ability to make people comfortable, whether they were lifelong friends or someone he had just met moments earlier. A quick joke, a thoughtful conversation, or one of his homemade loaves of banana bread often became the beginning of lasting friendships.
Friends say Simon built communities naturally. He loved curling, baseball, baking, and gathering people together around shared experiences. More than anything, he valued connection. He approached relationships with loyalty and authenticity, investing deeply in the people he loved and consistently showing up for others in meaningful ways.
Even throughout his illness, Simon continued inspiring those around him through his resilience and positivity. Loved ones say he refused to let leukemia define him, instead focusing on the relationships, moments, and experiences that mattered most. His courage during treatment became a source of strength not only for his family but also for friends who admired the grace with which he faced unimaginable challenges.
Simon is survived by his loving wife Anne Hoesly; his parents Larry and Gale Ganet; siblings Max (Caitlin) Ganet, Elliot (Samantha) Ganet, and Nina Ganet; sister-in-law Susan Hoesly and brother-in-law Jimmy DeBlasio; nephews Walter, Harvey, Gordon, Akiva, and Teddy; and parents-in-law Michael and Nan Hoesly.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Janet and Abner Ganet, Jane and Mel Seigel, and Hazel and Gordon MacLennan.
Funeral and memorial services will take place Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Etz Chaim. Shiva gatherings in Glen Ellyn and Oak Park will provide opportunities for loved ones to come together, share stories, and celebrate a life that brought joy and comfort to so many.
Although Simon Leonard Ganet’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, those who loved him say his spirit remains deeply present in the countless lives he touched. His humor, generosity, courage, and extraordinary kindness created a legacy that will continue living on through every friendship he nurtured and every person fortunate enough to know him.