Theodore “Ted” Simon, 90

Theodore “Ted” Simon, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully, with his family at his side on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at St. Francis Medical Center in Shakopee.  Ted was born on March 13, 1932 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, Minnesota to James J. and Mary A. (Kubes) Simon.  He grew up on the family farm near Veseli and graduated from New Prague High School. After serving in the US Army, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Lorraine A. Franek on September 23, 1958 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli.  He and Lorraine raised their six children on a dairy farm near St. Patrick. After selling the dairy herd, he continued to farm, enjoying the land and his tractors and 4-wheeler. 

 Ted was a member of the American Legion, the Rural Fire Department, and the New Market Sportsmens Club.  His hobbies and interests seemed to bring him outdoors; he loved to fish, hunt, spear, and particularly enjoyed a friendly game of horseshoes and a good game of Euchre.  He thoroughly enjoyed watching birds and enjoyed gardening and canning with Lorraine.  Ted was a vibrant, active 90-year-old, still cutting wood and sitting at the wood stove with Lorraine.  He was an avid reader of the Star Tribune, scouring it from cover to cover daily, along with his early morning orange or late night bowl of popcorn. You knew where to find Ted when the Minnesota Twins were on TV!  At the top of his priorities was his devotion to Lorraine and his family.

 Ted is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine; children, Warren (Beth) Simon, Theresa (Dave) Pumper, Jacqueline Simon-Yackley, Arlene (Joe) Hoffman, Patrick (Vonnie) Simon, Cyril (Natalie) Simon all of New Prague; grandchildren, Christine Simon, Nathan Simon, Brian Pumper, Emily Pumper, Anna Katz, Julie Yackley, Scott Hoffman, Jessica Bachman, Sarah Hoffman, Cory Simon, Andy  Simon, Brad Simon, Bryce Simon, Ben Simon; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bernard (Marion) Simon of Alaska, Alice Schanus of Lonsdale; sisters-in-law, Angie Simon, Rosemary Franek, Joyce (Roger) Tupy all of New Prague.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Don Yackley; brothers, James & Norbert; sisters, Marian Tuma & Sister Bernice Simon; brother-in-law, Leonard Franek.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake with Father Michael Miller officiating.  Visitation will take place Tuesday from 4-7 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and at the church 1 hour prior to Mass on Wednesday.  Burial will occur in the church cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Lunch will follow in the church hall.  bruzekfuneralhome.com