Merlin Dean Simonson

Merlin Dean Simonson died at home under Hospice care on Friday April 9, 2021 after a battle with lung cancer. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 24, at 2:00 pm at Ambush Park in Benson. In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Disabled Veterans or the Carris Hospice of Benson. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

He was born in Swift Falls on May 27, 1940, the son of Merle and Dora (Steen) Simonson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith and graduated from Benson High School. He was honorably discharged from the U. S. Navy in 1963.

On June 27, 1964 he was united in marriage to Marjon VanderWilt in Swift Falls. They were blessed with 2 children and over 56 years of marriage. They lived in Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan.

Merlin worked at several different jobs including as a mechanic and as a school bus driver which he especially enjoyed.  Merlin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Benson, the Benson VFW and the Big Stone Cruisers Car Club. Among the things he enjoyed were working on, shining up and showing his special cars; also mowing, wood working and reading. He loved to spend time and joke around with his family and friends!

Merlin attained the age of 80 years, 10 months and 12 days of age. He is survived by his wife, Marjon; children, Lavonne (Greg) Ascheman of rural Appleton and Tom (Melina) Simonson of Eden Prairie; five grandchildren, Aaron (Tonya), Jordan and Marcus Ascheman, Dakotah and Natasha Simonson;  one great grandson, Xavier Ascheman; two sisters, Sandra (Bill) Woodin of Benson and Cindy (Randy) Johnson of Willmar; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Dora Simonson. Blessed be his memory.