Darrel D. Simon | 1935 - 2023
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Jul 31, 2023 | 4:19 PM / 313 views
Darrel D. Simon, 88, of Gettysburg, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 7, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Fr. Brian Simon presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. A wake will be at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the church with a visitation one hour prior.
Darrel was born June 26, 1935, in Dupree, SD to Alvin and Inez (Insley) Simon. Darrel attended school at Parade, SD. He then enlisted in the United States Army in September of 1956. While in the army, he was a parts clerk in Battery B of the Seventh Division 31st Artillery in Korea. After returning from the service Darrel worked several jobs in Eagle Butte, SD. On November 3, 1958, he went to work for the Don Smith Ranch in rural Dewey County.
Darrel met the love of his life, Linda Johnson, at a dance at Parade, SD. They were married on April 11, 1959 in Gettysburg, SD. Darrel continued working for the Don Smith Ranch, where they made their first home. In 1960, they moved to the Johnson family homestead which later became the Simon Farm. They spent 61½ years of their married life on the farm.
The family grew and they welcomed their first born, Dean Allen, and two daughters followed, Janet Lee and Jean Kay.
Darrel was a member of the American Legion and the Potter County Fair Board. His favorite pastime was fishing, which he passed along to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In the 1970’s Darrel purchased a red 16-foot aluminum fishing boat. He enjoyed both pheasant and deer season; where many family and honorary family members gathered to share a meal, jokes, and memories.
Darrel enjoyed raising a huge garden, which he and Linda loved to share with everyone. They canned assorted vegetables which they also shared. There were always cookies in their freezer for anyone who walked through their door, especially the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and honorary grandchildren. The coffeepot was always on, and at 5:00 p.m. on the dot they sat at the table for a cold one.
He raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, and hogs. Over the years he also raised oats, barley, corn, and wheat. His love for agriculture and livestock passed on to his family, and they will continue his legacy.
After Linda’s death, Darrel continued to live at the farm until his health declined in January of 2023. He transitioned to the Avera Oahe Manor, where he enjoyed his time picking on nurses and staff and getting visitors.
Darrel’s life will be cherished by his children: son, Dean (Nadine) of Gettysburg and their children: Makenzie Hall (Todd Jess), Bobby (Jaimie) Simon, Jared (Megan) Hall, Emily Hall, Bailey (Jake) Andersen, and Hayden (Kaylene) Simon; daughter, Janet (Tom) Naasz, Hot Springs and their children: Leslie (Jon) Naasz-Doyle, Beth Naasz (Forrest Schramm), and Courtney Naasz (Treyvor VanDewater); and daughter, Jean (Mike) Senyak, Gettysburg and their children: Stetson Senyak (Stasha), Steven Senyak (Ashlee Weber) and Sydney Senyak (Phillip Vetter); 13 great grandchildren: Miya Brown (Joey), Carter and Hudson Simon, Brooklyn and Victoria O’Brien-Hall, Hendrix Allen, Claire and Grayson Andersen, Erro Simon, Oliver and Evie Naasz-Doyle, and Kaimbre Ann and Roman Senyak; sister, Judy Nagel (Alfred); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents; infant twin brothers; sister, Phyllis; and brothers, Kenny and Donny.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Darrel’s arrangements.