Charles Simonson

Charles Edward Simonson, 85, of Brainerd, passed away at Good Samaritan Society - Bethany Campus on Monday, July 25, 2016.

Services for Chuck will be held at Noon, Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Pastor Nathan Lundgren officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 10:30 AM and to stay following the service for reception and fellowship at Brenny's. Chuck will be interred at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley at a later date.

Chuck was born July 20, 1931, in Hibbing, MN, the son of Peter and Lena (Tawyea) Simonson. Following his graduation from Buhl High School, Chuck was drafted into the US Army in 1954. He served his country for 2 years. He graduated from St. Cloud Teachers College and continued his education at Macalester where he earned his Master's in Education. Chuck began his 34 year teaching career at St. Anthony Village. In 1961, he began teaching at the Wayzata School District and retired in the mid 80's. In retirement, he went back to the classroom - substitute teaching in Nisswa for 10 years. He was a foster grandparent and a guardian ad litem. In addition to teaching, Chuck owned a lawn company and was proud to have mowed over 10,000 lawns. In 2002 he married Sharyn (Van Geest) Nichols.

Chuck enjoyed taking care of his property. He was always up for a trip to the Casino and could entertain you with his story-telling skills. A member of the American Legion, Post #627, Chuck was proud of service. Most of all, Chuck loved his family and friends and the time he spent with them.

He will be missed and is survived by his wife, Sharyn; sons, Steve, Dan (Brenda), and Jeff (Cathy); grandchildren, Joe, Daniel, Annika, and Andrew; many nieces and nephews, especially Merrill Pavlovich and his family Lynda, Maggie, and Mike; step-children, Todd, Joey (Joan), and Leanne; grandchildren, Perry, Jacquline, Todd Allen, Travis, Jeremiah, Elliot, Janae, and Katie. He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Nisswa American Legion for Educational Scholarships.