Wesley Mark Simonson

Wesley Mark Simonson passed away peacefully in Stillwater, Minnesota, on October 22, 2026, at the age of 84.

Wes was born on April 1, 1942, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Alfin and Elizabeth (Laulumaa) Simonson, and was raised in Wakefield, Kansas. Following his high school graduation in 1960, Wes enlisted in the U.S. Navy and later transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps. His service took him to the Philippines, Okinawa, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he was deployed during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the military in 1964, Wes earned his degree from Kansas State Teachers College. He then relocated to Minnesota, dedicating his career to special education. In 1974, he joined Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916, where he served students and families until his retirement in 2004.

In his retirement, Wes embraced the simple pleasures of life: golfing, listening to music, watching sports, reading about history, taking walks, and cherishing time with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marge Patten; his children, Shawn (Denise) Simonson (from his marriage to Sheila Hammeke); Angela (Tony) Simonson and Eric (Alexis) Simonson (from his marriage to Catherine Kolodji); granddaughters, Annabella, Julia, and Lucy; his brother, Jim (Pat) Simonson, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Nancy, Barbara, and Karen.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 22nd to honor Wes' life. Location and exact timing will be announced. Please check back for updates.

The family will be laying Wes to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in the days following the memorial service. This will be a private ceremony.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the VA Health Administration, Lakeview Hospice, the Good Samaritan Society of Stillwater, and FamilyMeans for their compassionate care and support.