Adrien "Jerry" Simonson

Adrien “Jerry” Simonson, age 75, of Fargo, ND, passed away and went to meet the Lord surrounded by his loving wife, Sharon, and all of his children, on Feb. 23, 2013 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Jerry was born in Hamburg, North Dakota on March 27, 1936. He was the son of Henry and Mary Simonson of Maddock, North Dakota. He was raised by John and Alma Sundahl as his foster parents following his parent’s death at the age of 4. He moved to Fargo in 1955 and he was united in marriage to Sharon Leroy.

Jerry started work at Red Owl Bakery after high school. He was a baker at Red Owl for 18 years until the company moved. At that time, he went to work at NDSU where he also worked as a baker. At NDSU he worked his way up to Manager. He worked with a wide range of people, training them in the baking profession. He had a big impact on many of his co-workers and they had a special place in his heart. He loved working at the bakery until his retirement. While working at NDSU he frequently worked second jobs to help support his large family. He loved to work on cars especially doing body work. He worked for Tri-State Auction for many years and quite often would bring home vehicles to fix and give to family members. Jerry’s other passions were serving the Lord by helping others and supporting his family, children and grandchildren and all their activities. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing and especially being at the lake cabin with his family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Henry, his mother, Mary; Brother, Rodney Simonson; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Leroy, who was like a mother to him; foster parents, John and Alma Sundahl; and sister-in-law, Betty Leroy.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon; his 8 children and their spouses: Cindy (Rich) Hulswit; Belinda (Brian) Donley; Michelle (Dave) Johnson; Timothy Simonson; Mary (Troy) Ayers; Barry (Ramona) Simonson-Howey; Jeremy Simonson; Jonathon (Wanda) Simonson; his brothers, Darold Simonson and Milo Simonson; sisters, Penny Strickovich, Karen Stiller, and Inez Moen. Jerry is also survived by his 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Bev (Melvin) Krien; Trish (Mo) Philon, and many nieces and nephews.