Christian Biography of Leon Simonsen

Leon Allen Simonsen, the son of Arnold and Mildred (Olsen) Simonsen, was born on March 20, 1929 at Hardy, Nebraska. He passed away on March 8, 2013 at his home in Superior, Nebraska at the age of 83 years, 11 months, 16 days.

Leon attended the Weimer grade school near Hardy, Nebraska and graduated from Hardy High School. He was a lifetime member of the Bethany Lutheran Church and was baptized on April 1, 1929 at Bethany by Pastor A. Hansen and confirmed on May 28, 1944 at Bethany by Pastor J.H. Petersen.

Leon was inducted into the United States Army on February 15, 1952 at Omaha, Nebraska and was honorably discharged on January 26, 1954 at Fort Sheridan Illinois.
He was united in marriage to Marcella Whitney on March 26, 1950 at Centennial Lutheran Church, Superior. This union was blessed with 3 children.

Leon farmed in the Ruskin and Hardy area all his life. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the Red Caps, the National Sorghum Producers and held many offices within the Bethany Church Council. He enjoyed attending all activities at the Superior Schools. He and Marcella also attended many of their children's and grandchildren's activities in Cozad and Holdrege, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marcella on October 27, 2011 and one brother Hubert.

He is survived by his daughter Pam Acker and husband Jim of Cozad, Nebraska and sons Phil and special friend Gloria Nobles of Superior, Nebraska and Jon and wife Michelle of Columbia, Missouri; 5 grandchildren Eric Acker and wife Emily, Kim Ollinger and husband Ryan, Kristy Acker, Nick Simonsen, and Carter Simonsen and two great-grandsons Kolton Palm and Leon Acker; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 3:00 pm from the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Nebraska with Pastor Evelyn Phillips officiating.

Music was congregational hymns, "Children of the Heavenly Father" and "Amazing Grace" and Alicia Reed sang the "The Lord's Prayer" and "On Eagles Wings" with Dorcas Judy as the organist and accompanist.

Pallbearers were Vernon Kaldahl, Marvin Bockholdt, Keith Schultz, Rod Simonsen, Les Simonsen, Gerald Simonsen, Reg Simonsen, Greg Bixby, Joe Bixby and Chuck Whitney.

Interment with full military rites was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the Bethany Lutheran Church or a scholarship fund that will be established in Leon's name at Superior High School.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.