Ione Simenson

Ione Simenson, age 89, of St. James, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Ione Eleanor Mickelson was born in St. James, MN, on September 29, 1921, the daughter of Oscar and Ida May (Barge) Mickelson. Ione grew up in St. James where she graduated from high school in 1939. She worked as a clerk in the Watonwan County Treasurer's office prior to her marriage to Arthur Simenson on April 16, 1944 at First Lutheran Church in St. James. The couple made their home in rural Butterfield where they farmed and raised their family. They retired in 1983, and moved to St. James and purchased the same house that Ione was born in. Ione and Art enjoyed metal detecting, taking trips to Minnesota State Parks, and tending garden. Her and Art also enjoyed their daily trips to Hardee's where they would have coffee and share a cookie or ice cream cone. Ione was a member of First Lutheran Church in Butterfield. She is survived by 2 sons; Larry (Rosie) Simenson of Butterfield, Loren Simenson of Moose Lake, 5 grandchildren; Lisa (Robert) Herrig of Comfrey, Samantha (Jason) Dougherty of Butterfield, Rebecca (Roddy) Hanson of Butterfield, Anthony Simenson of Fairmont, Joseph Simenson of Fairmont, 6 great-grandchildren; Nick, Brady, Shania, Jordan, Mahryn, Ally, sister-in-law; Sara Simenson of St. James, brother-in-law; Dale (Carol) Simenson of Phoenix, AZ, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and 2 brothers.