Gerald Clement Simon, age 76, left those he loved unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, April 15, 2015, at his Prior Lake home. A very faithful servant of the Lord, he was caring, nonjudgmental and loved everyone unconditionally. Jerry’s acts of kindness will be missed by many. He was the best husband, dad and grandpa.
All of the services will be held at the Church of St. Michael 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. The visitation will be on Friday, April 17 from 4-7 pm and from 9:30-10:45 am prior to the mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 18 at 11 am, with Father Xavier Goulet presiding. Pall bearers will be his grandsons. Jerry will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery.
On January 7, 1939 in Shullsburg, WI, Jerry was born the fifth of ten children to parents, Joseph and Bernice (Wiederholt) Simon. Jerry played football and baseball at Bethlehem Academy in Faribault, MN where he graduated from High School in 1958.
Jerry’s life was dedicated to loving and caring for his family and committed to helping in his community where ever he could. On July 8, 1961 at the Church of St. Michael he married the love of his life, Nancy Muelken. The best days of their lives were blessed raising five children, Michael, Gail, Sanna, Patrick and William and later nurturing 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. When his children were younger, they enjoyed traveling north on weekends to ‘the cabin’ where they enjoyed family time together fishing, swimming and playing. For their 50th Wedding Anniversary the entire family celebrated this milestone at the cabin for old time sake. Most of Jerry and Nancy’s life, Prior Lake was their home. After Jerry retired, they lived in Mabel, MN for nine years before returning home to Prior Lake.
Jerry proudly served eight years in the National Guard. For 34 years (1961-1995), he worked at Anchor (Midland) Glass in Shakopee, MN where he made life time friends that he continued to fish with. Jerry was a 23-year volunteer firefighter in Prior Lake and he devoted time to the Historical Society and the Lions Club during his time in Mabel.
Jerry’s interests included sports, hunting, fishing, reading and woodworking. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren at their activities and also kept detailed stats on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Jerry loved deer hunting up north with family and friends. He liked pan fishing all year round and the occasional walleye trip with his sons. Jerry had a knack for woodworking, building benches, beanbag games and other items he not only shared with his family but also donated to many community events that will be truly cherished.
Left to honor Jerry’s life and mourn the death is his wife, Nancy E. (Muelken); children, Mike (Shelly) Simon, Gail (Kevin) McCormick, Sanna (Chuck) Feldman, Pat (Lynn) Simon, Billy (Jenny) Simon; grandchildren, Ashley (Kory) Lochner, David (Shauna) Simon, Kayla McCormick, Connor McCormick, Case McCormick, Jamie (Phil) Fisk, Tommy (Steph) Feldman, Jenna Simon, Bryanna (Jimmy White) Simon, Isabel Simon, Grace Simon, Will Simon; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Julianne and Luke Fisk; siblings, James (Mary Lou) Simon; Sis Bergstrom, Joe (Sandee) Simon, Sr. Zita “Maryann” Simon; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Jerry home in heaven are his parents; siblings, Lois (Ben) Reis, Melvin (Arlene) Simon, Marlene (Don) Hanson and Betty Kleindl.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Simon family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
