Charles Merrion Simonsen

Charles Merrion Simonsen, age 91, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at MorningStar Senior Living in Billings.

Born on January 4, 1934, in Sidney, Montana, Charles was the son of Merrion Peter Raymond Simonsen and Florence Charlotte "Lottie" (Pottenger) Simonsen. The family farmed near Dore, North Dakota, and in Montana along the Yellowstone River, just south of Sidney.

Charles grew up in a farmhouse with no electricity until high school, saw the advent of computers and cell phones in his life and embraced the technology of the internet and email that kept him in contact with family and friends near and far.

Charles attended Sidney High School, graduating in 1952. He was an active member of the Sidney "Eagles" football team, helping them reach the Class A Montana state championship in 1951, and also participated in wrestling. His leadership skills were evident early on, serving as a Vice President of the Montana Future Farmers of America (FFA) from 1952 to 1953.

After high school, Charles attended Montana State University, earning a degree in Agriculture in December 1957. He financed his studies by raising Duroc pigs on the family farm. Later, he pursued a master's degree in microbiology at the University of Montana.

Charles proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1958, stationed at Fort Ord near Monterey, California, during an era of mandatory military service. While teaching in Missoula, he met Connie Christenson, who became the love of his life. They were married on June 14, 1964, in Great Falls, after being introduced by mutual friends, Alvin and Marjorie Farmer. Together, Charles and Connie built a devoted family, raising their sons, Eric and Keith. Many life lessons were shared during time spent working on projects, hunting, and fishing together.

Charles' career reflected his dedication to hard work and service. He began teaching in Plevna, Montana, then taught science at Hellgate High School in Missoula. Later, he transitioned to the livestock industry as a cattle buyer for Hormel Company in Austin, Minnesota. Returning to Montana, he managed Wolf Point Feeders in Wolf Point. In 1976, Charles moved his family to Billings, where he taught agriculture for Billings Public Schools. After the agriculture program ended, he led Ryder Student Transportation in Billings as manager until his retirement.

Faith, fellowship and connections were central to Charles' life. He was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Billings and actively participated in the Rotary Club and YMCA. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting pheasant, deer, elk, and camping at Flathead Lake and in the Absaroka–Beartooth Mountains. Wherever he went Charles would recognize and engage in conversation with long term friends or recent acquaintances, excited to hear about their lives.

During retirement, Charles and Connie embraced travel and adventure. They fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Norway and spent memorable years touring the United States and Canada with their fifth-wheel trailer. Later, they settled in Sequim, Washington, where they made many new friends at Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church, before returning to Billings to be closer to their son Eric and grandsons, Brandon and Evan.

Charles is survived by his wife of 61 years, Connie Rae (Christenson) Simonsen of Billings; his children, Eric Merrion Simonsen of Billings and Keith Lloyd Simonsen of New York City; his grandchildren, Brandon and Evan; his siblings Donna Frances Collet of Vancouver, WA, Lorence Baldwin Simonsen of Pasadena, CA; and Charlotte Mae Simonsen-Guptill and her husband Richard Guptill of Craig, CO; and his brother-in-law Paul Christenson of Fargo, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrion and Florence Simonsen.

In accordance with Charles' wishes, no public funeral will be held.