Gerald R Simonson

Gerald R. Jerry Simonson, age 72, of North Mankato, died Friday, June 18, 2004 at Immanuel-St. Josephs Hospital in Mankato.

Funeral service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Rev. Mary Iverson, officiating. Burial in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Monday at Mankato Mortuary and continues one hour before services at church on Tuesday. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Youth Room and Services.

Gerald was born February 25, 1932 to Arthur and Helen (Gilmore) Simonson in Mankato. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1951. Jerry served his country with the U.S. Army 9th Reconnaissance Co. from 1953 to 1955. He married Audrey Clausius on August 17, 1956 at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in North Mankato. Jerry attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from Mankato State University in 1958. He was a member of the football and track teams at both schools. Jerry taught school in Wabasso, Nicollet, Mankato East High School, Lincoln Junior High, and North Mankato Junior High School, teaching various social studies courses. He also coached track and football for District #77. He was also employed by Carlson Craft for 17 years and also Continental Can Company. He enjoyed his grandchildren, family time, gardening, reading, camping, traveling, and he enjoyed following politics.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey; six children, Mark Simonson of Fremont, CA, Ann (Mark) Schmidtbauer of Eden Prairie, MN, Robert Bob Simonson of Bloomington, MN, Julie (John) Priem of Maple Grove, MN, Kristin (Michael) Fink of Lakeville, MN, David (Kellie) Simonson of Prior Lake, MN; seven grandchildren, Tyler and Reid Schmidtbauer, Alyssa, Courtney, and Kristin Priem, Brennan and Elizabeth Fink; a sister, Karen (Kenny) Koch of Eden Prairie. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John; and a brother, Tom.