John Edward Simonett

What a life well lived ! John was absolutely one of a kind ! A very dear family friend and I know his strong personality influenced his children. What fun we used to have when the Howes Family was invited to the Simonett's home in Little Falls. There was always after dinner entertainment ! It was incredible. John would tell stories. The girls would play the piano and sing ! It was like the Family Von Trapp. I love staying in touch with Doris now and its fun to remember the old days. My parents thought of John and Doris as their closest friends.

I knew John from working for him as a maid and babysitter back in about 1957, when I was about 19 years old. John was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people that I have ever worked for. Rest in Peace.

Dearest Doris, Mary, John, Martha, Paul & Luke---and all....
All of the amazing memories that I have of your Father and of all of you growing up in Little Falls. My parents were so crazy about "John & Doris" and so valued your friendship over the years. I feel very fortunate to have been able to have a "front row seat" in the Simonett Living Room on many occasions to be able to hear John's stories...his "Casey at the Bat"...and always followed up with Ann at the Piano...Mary and Martha on guitar as they all broke into song (like the Family Von Trapp !) What an amazing family you have !
I wished I had saved all of the Christmas Cards over the years. I remember the one with the Job Chart (showing who had to wash, wipe, clear the table among the 6 kids)in particular. The Simonett sense of humor with everyday things was amazing.
One of my Mother's favorite stories was when John got stuck at a Bar in Bowlus for several days during a very bad snowstorm and the only thing to read was a Sears Robuck Catalogue. He had not seen one since he was a child. For months following he would lead many a conversation with "Did you know that in the Sears Robuck Catalogue...."
The Howes Family sends our condolences and love to you all.
Thank you for all of the memories, Mr. Simonett !
Joan Howes Dann

PS What a surprise when I found the wonderful article on John in this mornings Indianapolis Star ! He had friends everywhere !

Dear Martha and Family,

Don't know if you remember me, but I was in your law school graduating class of 1984.

Never got to know Justice Simonett personally, but I will never forget his remarks at our commencement ceremony. He spoke of Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence and the god-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He emphasized the pursuit of happiness language as an amazing thing to be included in the document ... a phrase that was distinctly American. Twenty-seven years later, I remember Justice Simonett's words clearly. It was a great way to send all of us into the legal profession.

My deepest sympathies to all of you at this difficult time. May your memories of this remarkable man sustain you all of your days.

Warmest regards,

Joseph F. Paulus
WMCL Class of 1984

Doris, Paul and Family,
My thoughts and prayers have been with your family today. My dad, Howard Warnberg, extends his sympathy as well. Dad and I had a great talk about your family and how much he appreciated the candid conversations of faith and other matters that he had with both Doris and John. May God bring you peace and comfort during this time.
With prayers,
Brenda (Warnberg) Giordano and Howard Warnberg, Little Falls, MN

I only knew John as a wonderful lawyer to be, from the Law Review. Easy to follow his career. We lost a most valuable commodity - brains and integrity. Douglas Thornsjo

John Joseph and Family,

You have my deepest sympathy, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Diane

Dear Martha and Family,

I appreciate so much the opportunity to have met John Simonett and many of his extended family when Gabriel had enlisted me to be his "assistant chef" for John's 80th Birthday party.

I was so impressed with the way he has obviously inspired his children and grandchildren to do their best.

Of special notice to me was learning of the entertainment provided whenever your family gathered and I am sure this tradition will always continue.

To hear him do his rendition of "Casey at the Bat", then "lay down the gauntlet", challenging one of the younsters to present his or her chosen poem, and the challenge rightfully accepted by one fine grandson, Paul Wegerson.

I was transfixed, stealing glances from Paul, to John, to others, all showing great pride and love.

In any event, the whole, wonderful event was humbling to me and marvelous to behold and participate at the same time!

You are a Blessed family and I pray your Blessings continue for many generations. You come from great stock!

May I close with a favorite daily thought:

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

- Marcus Aurelius
Roman emporer
and philosopher
A.D. 121-180

Sending our deepest sympathy to the Simonett family & remember you in our thoughts and prayers. We have fond memories of your family.

My Claire & H.J. as well as the whole Simonett family, Our hearts go out to you today as we just learned of your Grandpa's passing into eternity. He was always so good to me, charming and cheerful. His faithfulness to his wife and devotion to his family are powerful examples of the man he was for you. Lord be with you and especially Grandma Dory in this time of loss. Love and prayers from the Palmers.

Martha and Gabriel,

We got the news last night after returning home from a long weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,
Dave and Karin Gollon

He used to deliver a great Casey at the Bat

Martha and Simonette family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have wonderful memories of going over to your house in Little Falls, when we were in high school Martha, and your dad always taking time to converse even if it was just to say hello. His smile was beautiful!
May John's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
Sincerely,

John and Simonette family-
I was very sorry to hear about the passing away of your father. He and my father were very good friends and I have fond memories of them talking in front of our house as he walked home from work. My Dad always referred to him as a brilliant attorney and a big asset to Little Falls.I will remember your family in my prayers.
Paul Norr
(2nd Street LF's neighbor)

John and family,
Just read the paper and saw that your dad passed on. We extend our sympathy to you on your loss. It's been many years but we still remember you well from our year in Denmark together.
Wishing you the best and would be fun to see everyone again.
Sincerely,
Jim and Joyce Benson Evenson

JOHN just got word about your dad passing your dad was a good man
lawrence chadwick grantsburg wi

Doris & Family - I have many fond memories from my radio news reporting days talking to Attorney Simonet plus later, when he became a Supreme Court Judge and came home to Little Falls to speak at or host several events including Lindbergh Symosiums, the dedication of the then new Morrison County Courthouse, etc. Plus, seeing both of you in the pews at church. You are all in mine and many other friends thoughts and prayers here in Little Falls.-Lee Ann Doucette

"The trial lawyer is the anvil upon which the rights of the people are beaten." Justice Simonett was that anvil for the people of Minnesota who will miss his wit, loyalty to the law, and even handed blind justice. As a 1948 grad of St. John's University he was a devoted and loved alumnus who guided many Johnnies into a legal career to follow in his footsteps but never to fill his big shoes. Such stalwarts of the law will be missed whose ranks are too thin in the hallways of our nation's courts. They don't make them like this anymore from the law school diploma mill factories.
Atty. Roger M. Lindmark, Esq. (SJU '74)

To the Simonett family, We just got word of the passing of Justice Simonett and we want to express our condolences to you as well. I have only had the occasion to meet John & Doris a couple of times at Knights of Columbus events, but was impressed with his charm, wit and integrity. The Knights of Columbus in Minnesota will truly miss him.
Greg van der Hagen
Past State Deputy (1997-99)

Mrs. Simonett ,

I heard of the passing of Justice Simonett and I want to express my condolences to you, Mary, Martha, and the entire Simonett family. Justice Simonett was one of the most brilliant, wonderful, and caring men I have ever met - he will be missed. During the time I worked with him he made me feel like 'family.' Even after his retirement you both kept in touch with me and the Judge still loved telling his many 'stories.' My prayers are with you all.

Earnestine Milton

Mary, Ed, Sarah, Madison, Doris and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man and served his country, state and family with dignity and grace. He will long be remembered for his contribution to this world. Know that he is in peace and with the Lord. God Bless you and your family in this time of great loss.
Kathy and Joe Knopik