Franklin Henry Simon was born on December 20, 1926 to Elizabeth and James Simon in Staples, MN. He was the fifth child of fifteen children.

Frank was 5 years old when his family moved to Moran, MN, then on to Grantsburg, WI where he grew up with his 14 siblings in what was the Crex Meadows.

Frank married Athelene Pingel on March 27, 1949 in Echo, MN.  They had five children, Mike, Jean, Vern, John and Jeff.  They made their home in Grantsburg, WI and in 1955 moved to Milltown on Earl Blomgren’s second farm, and in 1969 moved to farm on 240th Avenue where they lived until 2016.

They moved into Luck when moving to the United Pioneer Home and Athelene close by.  Frank and Athelene celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 27, 2020.

Frank was a logger from 1955 to 1969 and logged for Louis D’Jock, and on his own hauled to North States and he farmed many years with the help of family while logging. He farmed 24 years on numerous farms in the area.

Frank wasn’t done working yet after he retired from farming. So he went to work for son, Vern doing roofing and for son, John at Lake Country Door until 2016. He said he could always keep up with the boys. He was always proud of how hard he could work.

He had many wonderful years hunting with his boys and their buddies. He has been noted to be called, “Dead Eye” by quite a few. Frank’s pride was his Buck Trophy that they all competed for many years.

Frank passed away peacefully on November 10, 2020 at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, WI.

He leaves to mourn wife, Athelene; children, Mike (Kathy) Simon, Jean (Tom) Moats, Vern (Dee) Simon, John (Beth) Simon, Jeff Simon; brother, Orlando; sisters, Berdella and Barbara; grandchildren, Stephanie Moats Leibke, Kristina Moats, Nate Moats, Alexandria Marquez, Brie Webster, Micah Simon, Nik Simon, Jonathan Simon, Tim and Tanya Wrich, A.J. Simon, Cassie Simon, Chelsea Simon, Zach Simon, Dawson Simon and Callie Simon; 17 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Simon; siblings, Milo Simon, Lorenzo Simon, Elvina Johnson, Charlotte Croxton, James Simon, Donald Simon, Jordan Simon, David Simon, Ernie Simon, Elton Simon and Lonnie Simon.

Funeral Services will be held at Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, WI on Tuesday, November 17th – visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. D. Sandahl officiating.  Franklin will be laid to rest at North Valley Cemetery following the service.  Pallbearers will be A.J. Simon, Zach Simon, Nate Moats, Nik Simon, Jonathan Simon and Tim Wrich.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home.

Last Update: Nov 13, 2020 4:49 am CST