Melvin Simon

Melvin Everett Simon was born June 5, 1924, in Ann Township, Cottonwood County, the son of Elson and Bertha (Goodman) Simon. He attended School District #38 and later moved with his family to Lynd, MN. Melvin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received the Sacred Order of the Golden Dragon - an award given to those that had crossed the equator during time of war. He was united in marriage to Mavis Graff on February 23, 1949, at Zion Lutheran Church in Sanborn. Melvin was a member of the United Church of Christ, the church board, and was very active in meeting the needs of the church. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Comfrey Shipping Association. Melvin lived for the joy of his family and enjoyed raising livestock, farming and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved old time music and dancing and said that every day is a good day - I am a lucky man! Melvin Everett Simon died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at his farm near Comfrey at the age of 85 years. He is survived by wife Mavis; children, Gwen and Jim Jansen, Peggy and Richard Thom, and Kenneth and Cindi Simon; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Viola (Simon) Graff and Shirley and Rod Tunsky; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Simon, Mary Simon, and Donna (Roland) Olson; and brothers-in-law, Darrel (Cathy) Graff and Alan (Bonnie) Graff. He was preceded in death by daughter Patricia Ann Simon; his parents; brothers, Carl and Loren Simon; twin brother Myrle Simon; and grandchildren, Robby Jo and Ryan Gene Thom.