Howard "Ray" Simonson

Howard R. “Ray” Simonson, 93, Grand Forks, ND, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020, surrounded by his family at Valley Senior Living on 42^nd St., Grand Forks.

Howard was born March 12, 1927 in Coeur D’Alene, ID, the son of George and Amelia (Bakke) Simonson. He was raised in Thief River Falls, MN and he married Corrine Lundeen and settled in East Grand Forks, MN where he worked as a mechanic and bus driver for the East Grand Forks Public School System.

Howard’s family was first and foremost to him. He loved the outdoors, especially going to the lake and fishing near Bemidji, MN. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, Bingo and eating together as a family. He always had a soft spot for children and he was always there to help others. 

He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone who knew Howard

Survivors include his children, Sherrie Tjonn, Gilbert, AZ, Renae Simonson, Grand Forks, ND, and Rodney Simonson, Tempe, AZ; grandchildren, Ryan Tjonn (Carrie), Shelby Simonson and Brady Johnson; great grandchildren, Christopher Tjonn, Jason Tjonn, Aaron Tjonn, Chloe Simonson and Raegan Simonson; siblings, Gerald Simonson, Michigan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents George and Amelia and his siblings, Stanley, Albert, Margaret, Evelyn, Gladys, Norman, Clifford and Rueben.

We would like to give a special thanks to all the caregivers on Hearthstone at Valley Senior Living-Woodside Village who took care of Howard.

Graveside services with military honors will be in the Veterans section of Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks, 10:30 AM Monday, July 20, 2020.