Elmer Simon

Elmer was born September 4, 1922 in Altura, Minnesota to Alvin and Lydia (Thiede) Simon. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1940 and attended the University of Minnesota Ag School in 1941 and 1942. On October 27, 1945 he married Helen Hemmestvedt at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. They then moved to the Simon family farm south of Altura. He and Helen farmed, retiring in 1975. They moved to Plainview in 1999. Helen died May 25, 2013. Elmer was a life member of the Altura Jehovah Lutheran Church where he was Baptized and Confirmed. He was very active in the community of Altura, serving 13 years as Mayor and was on numerous boards, including the Lions Club. He had been President of the Minnesota Holstein Association and the Winona County Holstein Association. He was a delegate to the National Holstein Association for many years. Elmer was very proud of his Registered Holstein Herd and showed them at the Minnesota State Fair, the Madison Expo, the Waterloo Dairy Cattle Congress and the Chicago International Livestock Show. He sold Cattle Internationally. Elmer was a Winona County Fair, ‘Hall of Fame Inductee’, in 1986.  He enjoyed singing, traveling, bowling, golfing, swimming, playing cards and spending time with his family. He was a wonderful role model as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by two daughters; Candy (Chuck) Shada of Anamosa, Iowa and Cathy Radel of Plainview, grandchildren; Conrad Shada, Nathan (Angie) Radel, Chris (Kristin) Radel and great-grandchildren; Ellie, Grant and Kira Radel. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Helen, and two sisters; Lorraine and Karolyn. Funeral Service is Friday, May 30, 11 am at Jehovah Lutheran Church in Altura with Rev. Michael Lindemann officiating. Burial is in the Church Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, 5- 8 pm at the Jehovah Lutheran Church and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Schad & Zabel Funeral Home, 57 3rd ST. SW, Plainview, MN, 55964, 507-534-2003 schadandzabelfuneralhomes.com