Jacob Lamon Simonson, 98, of Owatonna, died Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Traditions of Owatonna.

He was born April 15, 1926, near Sargeant, MN to George and Ragnild (Nesheim) Simonson. He attended Hayfield Schools and worshiped at Evanger Lutheran in Mower County.

He was united in marriage to LaVonne Eaker on December 15, 1949 at St. John's Lutheran Church near Clairmont, MN. The couple made their home in Blooming Prairie until 1979, when they moved to Owatonna. They were married 65 years. Jacob worked for 36 years at Lysne Construction moving house, including many buildings at the Village of Yesteryear. In fact, the large Victorian had to be cut in half before Jake could move it!

They were blessed with seven children. While raising them, much time was spent camping and watching his children play sports. Jacob enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Lynx, and Timberwolves. Watching old westerns and game shows were a big part of the day. Being a Norwegian, he enjoyed lutefisk, lefse, krumkaka, rosettes and raspekaka (potato balls).

In 1983 Jacob and LaVonne purchased a cabin on French Lake and have owned it for more than 40 years. This has been and continues to be a gathering place for Jacob's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Many wonderful memories were made swimming, boating, fishing, playing games, cooking out, and, of course, playing cards.

Jacob is survived by his children, Gene (Mary) Simonson of Rochester, MN, LaVerne (Barb) Simonson of Eagan, MN, Ronald Simonson of Lakeville, MN, Douglas (Connie) Simonson of Rochester, MN, Larry Simonson of Owatonna, MN, Gail Drube of Shoreview, MN, and Brian (Margaret) Simonson of Rochester, MN. He is very proud of his 13 grandchildren: Jeremy, Jackie, Paul, Amanda, Jennifer, Tyler, Jill, April, Corrine, Jamie, Patrick, Dominic, and Christopher. He has 16 wonderful grandchildren: Ella, Seth, Ali, Owen, Kaia, Sophie, Chloe, Spencer, Amelia, Josie, Henry, Marcus, Alexander, Lilly, Addie, and Maren.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, LaVonne, his parents, four sisters, one brother, a daughter in-law (Becky), and a son in-law (Joel).

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Traditions of Owatonna, or to Prairie Grace Hospice.