Mavis Arlene Simon

Mavis (Graff) Simon, age 96 of Comfrey, Minnesota died on June 21, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Jeffers Baptist Church in Jeffers, Minnesota followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The clergy will be Pastor John Keck. Interment will be at Congregational Cemetery in Comfrey. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Mavis was born in Amboy Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota to Edna and Romay Graff on October 9, 1929. She attended School District #53 “The North School”, School District #45 “The South School” in rural Cottonwood County and the Lutheran parochial school in Sanborn.

In 1949 she married her beloved husband, Melvin Simon, at Zion Lutheran Church in Sanborn. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for 60 years. Mavis and Melvin farmed near Comfrey until Melvin’s death in 2009. Mavis continued living on the farm.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, listening to music, reading and bird watching. She and Melvin enjoyed dancing to old time music. Mavis was a member of the United Church of Christ and was very active in helping others meet the needs of the church. She served on the Funeral Committee for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Melvin; infant daughter, Patricia Simon; two grandchildren; son-in-law, Jim Jansen; sister, Lorraine Simon; brothers-in-law, Loren, Carl and Myrle Simon and Gilbert Graff; and sisters-in-law, Holly Graff, Viola Graff, Margaret Simon, Mary Simon and Shirley (Simon) Tunsky.

She is survived by her children, Gwendolyn Jansen, Peggy (Richard) Thom, and Kenneth (Cindi) Simon; 6 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Donna (Roland) Olson; brothers, Darrel (Cathy) Graff and Alan (Bonnie) Graff.

Mavis leaves us with her desire for peace and tranquility. Her family will remember the love, the care and the joy she provided through the years. Per her request, a simple service will take place on June 29, 2026, at the Jeffers Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making memorial donations in her name to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Rest in love and peace.