Roger W. Simon, 74

Roger W. Simon, age 74, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN.  Roger was born on January 11, 1947, in New Prague to Walter R. and Julia (Svoboda) Simon. He was raised in the Veseli area and attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School, graduated from New Prague High School, enlisted in the National Guard and later graduated from Mankato State College. He married Carol J. Trnka on July 26, 1969, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale, MN.  They were happily married for over 52 years.

Roger’s first job after college was at Sheldahl Corporation, as an accountant.  He continued his accounting career with International Dairy Queen and Minnesota Valley Breeders Association-Harvestore. In 1985, he and his wife Carol began Simon and Simon Liquor in downtown New Prague.  In 1987, Roger went to work for Mahowald Motors while he and his wife Carol continued to own and operate the liquor store for two decades.   In addition, Roger operated Simon Tax Service from his home. He was very active and found time to enjoy softball, baseball and being an umpire for softball leagues.  He also enjoyed golf and bowling leagues, playing cards (Sheephead) with lifelong friends, and relaxing at his home on Lake Pepin with his family.  

Roger is survived by his wife, Carol of Montgomery; children, Kurt Simon of New Prague, Kris (Eric) Rish of Esko, MN; Holly Simon of Montgomery; grandchildren, Kelsey (Luke) Washa, Mariah (Alex Gregor), Maddie and Alli Simon; Emily (Brett Morrison) & Eric (Olivia Stewart) Rish; siblings, Karen (Phil) Kallal of New Prague, Butch (Deb) Simon of Webster, Ken (Gertie) Simon of Burnsville, Judy Simon (Mike Fox) of Edmonds, WA, Joyce Cassidy of New Prague, Tom (Amber) Simon of Minnetonka and sister-in-law Shirley Simon, New Prague.  Also survived by in-laws Rita Chlan of Webster, Julie (Jim) Reiter of Montgomery, and Milton (Jean) Trnka of Lonsdale.

Preceding him in death and there to welcome Roger home are his parents, Walter & Julia; brother Gary Simon, nephew Marc and brothers in-law Albert Chlan, Charles Tritz and Clarence (Shirley) Trnka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:00  AM at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli.  Visitation will be held at church beginning at 9:00 AM until mass time. Masks are required in church. Military Honors will be conducted after Mass by the Lonsdale American Legion Honor Guard.  Lunch will follow Mass at the Lonsdale Legion Club. bruzekfuneralhome.com