Leo V. Simonson

Leo Vernon Simonson was born October 10, 1921, to Joseph A. and Clara Anderson Simonson in Hartland Township. He attended school at District #10 in Hartland and then moved to the Baudette, MN, area with his family. On May 8, 1943, Leo was united in marriage to Jean Koranda in Baudette and later divorced. He came back to the Albert Lea area in 1944, moving to Clarks Grove in 1948. Leo farmed and operated his own auto mechanic business. He married Alice Johnson November 14, 1974, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Leo was a member of the Community Lutheran Church and the Moose, Elks, and Eagles Lodges. He also belonged to the Polka Lovers, the Coachmen Club, and the Mall Walkers' organization. Leo was quick witted, loved telling stories, loved deer hunting, and enjoyed anything to do with automobiles and engines. He was very handy and could do almost anything. Survivors include his wife, Alice of Clarks Grove; children: Gladys LeRoy Peterson, Vernon Jeanne Simonson; and Lori Simonson; son-in-law, Ed Eisel; step children, LaRuen Lois Johnson and Connie Johnson; grandchildren: Kevin & Diane Peterson, Darrin and Sue Peterson, Dana Simonson, Crystal and Eric Luxmore, Amber and Adam Benson, Ronda and John Stackpole, Tara and Jeff Johnston, Eric Eisel, Trevor and Stacy Titus, Tyler and Krista Titus, and Carly Titus; step grandchildren, Shawn Johnson and Sara Johnson; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Amelia Bakke; brother, Jay Olive Simonson; and many nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Boni Eisel; grandson, Jamie Peterson; sisters: Marjorie McGuire, Pearl Olson, and Stella Jepson; and brothers: Arthur, Oliver, Richard, and Irvin Simonson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.