July 19, 1925 - Aug. 29, 2015
Lee Simonson passed away at home surrounded by his family on August 29, 2015. He was born July 19, 1925 in McGrath, Minnesota, 4th of 12 children. He then joined the Navy and served in WWII as an Ensign. He married Beryl Drayfahl in May of 1949, and they raised 4 children. Lee worked for the Minnesota, Kansas, Alaska, and Arizona Highway Departments before moving to Nevada in 1969 to work as a Traffic Design Engineer for the DOT in Carson City. At this time, he became an active member of Kit Carson Toastmasters. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years (Beryl), his parents Axel and Anna, brothers Allen, Lloyd, David, Alvin, and sisters, Lydia and Bonnie. He is survived by his daughters, Patty (Bob) Simola, Marge Penner, Marie Simonson, and son Steve Simonson, brothers Ted (Bunny) Simonson, Harlan (Harriet) Simonson, Paul (Karen) Simonson, and sisters Maryann Zortman and Helen Kehn, and 50+ nieces and nephews. Grandchildren Rodney Mayers, Brenda (Paul) Phillips, Robbie (Heather) Simola, Misty (Eddie) Holt, Rusty (Teresa) Penner, Kenny and Jayme Penner, Heidi Vaughters and Lisarah Simonson. Great-granchildren Josh Mayers, Trstian (John) Tuin, Kayla and Chase Penner Colby and Ashton Simola, Monique, Neil, and Brittany Clifton and Shyann, Lil Lee and Aaliyah Vaughters, KC and Sarah Penner. He was also the Grandpa for his adopted Chinese girls, Faithann, AnnJi, Hannah Hope, Ginny Mei, and Meika. Lee loved the Lord lived his life accordingly. There will be a viewing at Autumn Funerals & Cremations on Thursday, September 3, 6-8pm. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 4, at 10:00 at Lone Mountain Cemetery. A pot-luck lunch will be held to celebrate Lee’s life at Hilltop Church on Saturday, September 5th at 11:00. Lee had a heart for many charities, please donate to your favorite for him.
