JOE SIMONSEN, age 75, of Ellsworth, died Thursday, December 01, 2011, at his home. He was born October 10, 1936, in Minneapolis, to Joseph and Marie (Christensen) Simonsen. He attended East Richfield Elementary; and Wood Lake Junior High Schools. Joe served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, as a Sargent in the 10th Division from 1949 to 1955.
Joe married Debbie Ristau, in 1975, in Mankato. After their marriage, the couple lived in various communities including Springfield. Debbie died on June 16, 1983.
Joe married Margaret O'Dell on December 4, 1996, in Wessington Springs, SD. After their marriage, the couple lived in various communities including Ellsworth.
He loved to fix up old cars & motorcycles. He enjoyed reading a good book, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his wife, Margaret O'Dell, Ellsworth; daughter and son-in-law, Ceta & Mark Zebe, Adrian; son, Gerald Simonsen, Milan; six grandchildren, Diego, Gabriela, Brisa, Jayden, Scott & Brylee Zebe; sister, Yvonne Westman, Edina; and two brothers, Harold Simonson, St. Paul; and Gary Simonsen, Minneapolis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Debbie.
A memorial service will be 1:30 pm Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, in Adrian, officiated by Rev. Kristi Franken. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. A private burial of cremains will be at a later date.
Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Adrian, is handling the arrangements.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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