Roger "Minnow" Simonson

A husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, and unforgettable personality, Roger Simonson, 76, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home September 10, 2025, following a short and unexpected struggle with myelodysplastic syndrome, diagnosed following a common heart surgery in June of 2025.

He was born May 6, 1949 in Virginia, Minnesota, and grew up in Buhl, Minnesota, in the heart of the state's frigid Iron Range. The oldest of nine children, he helped support the family by trapping and selling minnows, helping earn his prestigious local nickname "Minnow." He graduated from Martin Hughes High School in 1967, then enrolled in Hibbing Junior College, attending until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Viet Nam conflict as a member of the First Infantry Division in 1969-70, earning the rank of Sergeant E5 before his honorable discharge following his tour of duty. Following his military service, he attended Hibbing Tech, where he participated in an apprenticeship with US Steel, earning the standing of Journeyman Millwright.

He married Marianne Tymenski, also of Buhl, Minnesota, on September 21st, 1974, and the two resided in Bloomington, Minnesota before relocating to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where they gave birth to two sons, Ryan & Mark. He worked at the John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works, Waterloo, Iowa, as foundry maintenance and earned the standing of Journeyman Machine Repair. After being laid off as a result of the downturn in the farm economy, Roger and Marianne relocated the family to Holland, Michigan in 1986, where they have resided until his passing. In Holland he worked for Atmosphere Processing, Inc (API); BASF, Heartland of Holland, and South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation with temporary maintenance positions with various manufacturing plants between permanent positions.

On weekends and any time he could get away, Roger enjoyed time on his property in Baldwin, MI. He was often found riding his lawn tractor, clearing paths through the back acres, or plowing paths through the snow to make it easier for his dog and the deer to wander. Many a night was spent around the campfire or the back deck watching the deer forage on the hill behind his garden.

An avid all-seasons outdoorsman and restless busy-body, Roger enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, golf, and cooking on the grill, passions he took great pride in sharing with his sons and later, grandchildren. Aside from his common afternoon naps, he was rarely known to sit still long and kept himself occupied with yard maintenance, DIY repairs, and his unique flair for home and landscape decoration. There were very few things he couldn't fix himself, whether through traditional or nonconventional means, and a repairman was rarely ever seen at the home. He was an active and visible member of several veterans organizations, where he volunteered to help with events, parties, and member activities. His distinct personality and unique sense of comedy and charity earned him a special niche among those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marianne Simonson; son Ryan Simonson of Bloomington, Minnesota; son Mark Simonson and wife Annie Simonson, and grandchildren Quinten, Abigail, and Colin of Holland, Michigan; and sisters Christine (Craft), Elayne (Engdahl) and husband Dale, Gail (Lagges) and husband Jim, and brothers Tim, Eric, and Terry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis "Junior" and Joan Simonson; and brothers Scott and Glen Simonson.

A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Dykstra Funeral Home, Mulder Chapel, Holland, Michigan, from 6pm to 8pm.

Per Roger's wishes, a funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Baldwin, Michigan, at a date yet to be determined. A military service and luncheon will follow the funeral service and will be held at the Amvets Post 1988, Baldwin, Michigan.

A formal interment of remains and military honor ceremony will be held at Lakewood Cemetery in Buhl, Minnesota in the summer of 2026.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation in Roger's name to a local charitable organization serving veterans or others in need.