Ken Simonsen purchased this T-33 jet fighter trainer, which had been in storage and in pieces in Sturgeon Bay. He set it up outside his boat engine repair shop along Highway 57 and plans to restore its appearance as a personal veterans memorial

By Terry Kovarik

Ken Simonsen’s boat engine repair shop is taking on an aviation look. He recently set up a T-33 jet fighter trainer outside of his shop along Highway 57.  He heard it was in storage in pieces in Sturgeon Bay and was for sale.

Simonsen reassembled the T-33 in clear view of drivers on Highway 57. He has no plans to get the aircraft back into flying condition though he will restore it to honor all who’ve served.

Currently, the aircraft is decked out for Christmas with Santa Claus behind the controls in the cockpit. Simonsen says the most difficult job he’s had since he bought the plane is finding enough Christmas lights to cover it.