Robert Charles Simon, 96

Robert Charles Simon, age 96, of New Prague passed away peacefully on December 27, 2019 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Care Center with his family at his side.  Robert was born on September 27, 1923 to Bohumil and Ludmilla (Kalina) Simon on their farm five miles southeast of New Prague.  He attended grade school in Veseli, MN and graduated from New Prague High School.  After graduation he attended a government sponsored trade school in Shakopee, studying metal machining, then moved to California to help build troop ships during World War II.  After returning to Minnesota, he married the treasure of his heart, Elvira Solheid of Union Hill in 1951 and they made their home in Fairmont, MN where they raised 5 children.  Robert worked as a road construction superintendent for W. Hodgman & Sons, Inc. for 39 years, building highways all across Minnesota and neighboring states.  His beloved wife of 36 years passed away too soon in 1987.  Upon retirement in 1991, he moved back to his hometown of New Prague, where he loved to hunt and fish with family and friends.  Robert was a man of strong faith who attended daily mass while he was able to. 

 Robert is survived by children, Dennis (Katherine) Simon of New Prague, Colleen (Ken) West of Seattle, WA,  Ann (Hamilton) Lyon of Tacoma, WA, Duane Simon of New Prague, Bradley (Laura) Simon of Oakland, CA; brother, Eugene (Cecelia Kubes) Simon of Veseli; sisters, Irene Scheffler of Benson, Laura Jirik of Lonsdale, Sylvia Rezac of Owatonna; sisters-in-law, Janet Simon of New Prague, Madalen Friedges of New Market, Sally Nash of Coon Rapids; brother-in-law, David Solheid of Union Hill; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; an extended family of loving nieces, nephews, their spouses and children, other relatives and many friends.

 He is preceded in death by loving wife, Elvira; brothers, Joseph (in infancy), Raymond (Ann) of Lonsdale, Albert (Florence) of New Prague, Milton of Veseli; special friend, Emily (Kubes) Dvoracek.

 Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating.  Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass in church.  Following Mass, there will be a lunch at the KC Hall in New Prague. Private family burial on Sunday, the 9^th in Fairmont, MN. 

 The Simon Family would like to thank the staffs of Mala Strana and Moments Hospice, Mayo Hospitals in New Prague and Mankato for their tremendous care, love, and support these last few months. bruzekfuneralhome.com