Abbie Mae Simar

Obituary of Abbie Mae Simar

Abbie Mae Simar
December 16, 1986 – July 30, 2025
Abbie Mae Simar, age 38, of Pennock, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the University of Minnesota – M Health Fairview East Bank Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and care team.
Abbie was born on December 16, 1986, in Willmar, Minnesota. A 2005 graduate of Willmar Senior High School, she later earned a certificate in Phlebotomy from Ridgewater College. Over the years, she brought compassion, leadership, and a bright smile to every job she held-including long tenures at Little Dukes (Cash Wise Foods), Charter Communications, REM South Central Services, and the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. Whether assisting guests, supporting coworkers, or helping adults with developmental disabilities live independently, Abbie served others with patience, loyalty, and grace.
In the fall of 2023, Abbie began pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity, Virtualization, & Networking at Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC). She was excited to further her education and take on new challenges in a growing field. Sadly, due to her illness, she was forced to withdraw from her studies during the fall of 2024-just a year after beginning-a decision she made with incredible strength and grace.
Abbie met her future husband, Ryan Simar, in early 2016 during a memorable first date at the Green Mill in Willmar-one slightly interrupted by her love for the Minnesota Wild hockey team. Despite the game, they quickly connected and built a deep bond rooted in humor, faith, and mutual respect. Ryan moved from Canada to Willmar, and the couple married on February 26, 2017. In the summer of 2022, Ryan became a U.S. citizen-a moment he credits entirely to Abbie's love and encouragement.
Her cancer journey was marked by tremendous courage. Through chemotherapy, surgeries, and hospital stays, Abbie's unwavering faith and love for others never wavered. On Monday, July 28, 2025, in accordance with her wishes, she transitioned to comfort-focused care-discontinuing all further treatment and IV support.
In her final hours, Abbie's husband Ryan offered tearful prayers to God the Father, Jesus the Son of Man, and the Holy Spirit-pleading for her healing, even offering his life in exchange. Abbie, who had not spoken for six hours prior, passed peacefully that evening. Her family believes her pain was taken away, and that she is now joyfully resting in the presence of Jesus.
Abbie is survived by her devoted husband, Ryan Simar of Pennock, MN; her parents, Kathleen "Kathy" (Potter) Simar and David "Dave" Simar of Willmar, MN; her brother Nicholas "Nick" Simar and his wife Jessica "Jess" (Lindemann) Simar, also of Willmar, MN; and many extended family members and dear friends.
In accordance with Abbie's wishes, she will be cremated, and her ashes returned to her family as a lasting remembrance. The full cost of cremation is being covered solely by her loving husband. While no financial support is requested, any kindness extended to the family during this time is deeply appreciated.
A private family observance was desired. The family will share details surrounding a public Celebration of Life for Abbie in the coming days ahead for family and friends.
Abbie's legacy is one of grace, strength, deep compassion, and unwavering faith. Her life touched many, and her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.