Ellen Simon

Ellen Marie Simon, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at her Edgewood home in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 5 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. The rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. followed by a time for family to greet guests.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Ellen Marie Wieglenda was born on October 2, 1929, at her home in Lefor, North Dakota, the eighth of nine children born to Fred A. and Katie (Lambing) Wieglenda. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School in Lefor. Her family moved to a farmstead southeast of Gladstone the summer before her fourth-grade year. Ellen attended school in Gladstone and graduated in 1947.

After graduation, Ellen moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, where she worked at Woolworth’s Department Store. In 1949, she met Adrian J. Simon Sr. at an evening gathering he hosted. They fell in love and were married in 1951 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Together, they raised seven children in Dickinson. Ellen and Adrian were deeply involved in Catholic schools and churches where their children were educated and regularly attended services. Ellen was a dedicated volunteer, member, and leader in numerous church and community organizations, including Catholic Daughters, Trinity Mardi Gras, Camp Fire Girls, Scouts, ARC, the Elks, and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

In 1975, Ellen and Adrian moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, following Adrian’s job transfer. They enrolled their children in the Catholic schools of St. Mary’s and Cathedral and became members of Corpus Christi Church. Ellen joined the Medical Records staff at St. Alexius Hospital, where she worked for 13 years. Following that chapter, Ellen and Adrian purchased Bambi Resort on Toad Lake in Osage, Minnesota, and moved there to begin a new adventure. Sadly, Adrian died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after the purchase. With the help of her children, Ellen operated the resort for one season.

Ellen later moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she began a 17-year career at JCPenney at Rosedale Mall, working in Housewares and Gift Registry. She enjoyed various opportunities to travel, including trips to Europe, Alaska, Azores Islands and Hawaii. She retired at 78 years young and moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota. There, she lived independently and fully enjoyed her apartment, friends, family, activities, and many meaningful friendships.

Ellen truly enjoyed plants, flowers, and gardening; baking; arts and crafts; card games; Farkle; Bingo; church events; potlucks; afternoon coffee; concerts; plays; and shopping at Penney’s (“they’re having a sale, you know!!”). Ellen was a devoted UND Sioux hockey fan and a loyal Minnesota Twins fan, often attending games at Target Field and rarely missing one on television. Most of all, she treasured traveling to visit her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and relatives, creating unforgettable memories with each.

Awaiting Ellen in Heaven are her parents; her husband, Adrian J. Simon Sr.; sons Jon and his wife Deb, James, and Joseph, and infant granddaughters Ava and Lucy Reznicek. Her siblings and their spouses’: Selma Schneider; Edward (Vesta); Ann Kaufman; Martin; George; Catherine (Paul) Enger; Emil (Margaret); and infant sister Margaret. Also preceding her in death are her sisters- and brothers-in-law Margaret (Ferdy) Liebrenz, Charles Coughlin, and Ben Pribyl; her mother- and father-in-law, John E. and Elsie Simon; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ellen is survived by four children: Adrian Jr. (Collette), Jeffrey, Mary (Gary) Ullrich, and Elizabeth (James) Bechtle; daughter-in-law Sara Andersen-Simon; cousins John (Marsha) Wieglenda and Ron Wieglenda; and sisters-in-law Leona Pribyl and Loretta Coughlin. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Eric (Erika) Chapman; George (Cheryon) Fraase; Rachael Simon; Lisa (Sean) Pellersells; Ashley Simon; John (Liz) Ullrich; Michael (Lindsey) Ullrich; Erin (Kipp) Else; Alex Ann (Eric) Reznicek; Joseph (Jordyn) Bechtle; Tyler (Wendi) Simon; Skylar Simon; and Sydney Simon. Ellen was blessed with great-grandchildren Zack, Kelsey, and Katelyn Chapman; Kailynn Fraase; Austin and Chase Pellersells; Austin and Abbie Ullrich; Annie Reznicek; and Hays Bechtle. She is also lovingly remembered by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

May Ellen Marie Simon rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon her. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.