R. Paul Simonson

R. Paul Simonson, Moorhead, MN, formerly of Glyndon, MN, died peacefully on Friday, February 1, 2008 at MeritCare Palliative Care Unit.Paul was born in Scobey, MT on January 13, 1931 to Rev. R.L. and Gladys Simonson. His family later moved to Sisseton, SD, and then moved to Audubon, MN where he graduated from high school. He graduated from Concordia College where he played football for 4 years and attended NDSU where he worked on his Masters degree in Education. He married Bonnie Nylander on December 27, 1952. He taught high school and was Principal in Kindred, ND. He then worked for Travelers Insurance in Management. With that career, his family lived in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, WI and Fort Wayne, IN. In 1970, he and his family moved to Fargo, where he started Automated Maintenance Services, Inc.In 1977, Paul and Bonnie moved to Glyndon, MN where he was active at Glyndon Lutheran Church and the Glyndon-Felton School Board, where he served as President on both boards.Paul had a big heart. He and Bonnie were always willing to open their home to whoever needed one. Paul was recognized as one of the outstanding Employers of the handicapped in the state of North Dakota.In 2005, Paul and Bonnie moved to Moorhead, MN. Paul will always be remembered for his joking ways and the passion he had for his family, friends and his hobbies.He was very proud of his many grandchildren. He and Bonnie raised 6 children. One child, Tom, died of ALS in 2003 which was so devastating and he looked forward to a great reunion in Heaven.Paul is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 55 years, 3 Sons, Mark Trish, Kearney, NE, John Marty, Boise, ID, and Tim Pauline, Moorhead, MN and 2 daughters, Mary Wendell Prim, Fargo, ND, and Sarah Tom Greene, Moorhead, MN and 13 grandchildren, Michael Leah, Kirby, Caitlin, Kristin, Erik, Jameson, Anna, Taylor, Jordan, Carissa, Trey, Rachel, Grace, and 1 great-granddaughter, Abigail. He is also survived by 3 brothers, Rev. S. Luther Audrey, Madison, WI, Rev. J. David Eunice, Tanzania, Africa, and Dr. M. James Shirley, Oshkosh, WI, along with several nieces and nephews, who adored their "Uncle Paul."Paul is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Tom, who he is now rejoicing with in Heaven.