Leonard George Simon

Lifelong Petoskey resident Leonard G. Simon, died at home surrounded by his loving family, in the early hours of April 6, 2020. 

A memorial mass is planned for 11:00 a.m. on July 11th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  The Simon family will greet friends at church beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Leonard was born at home on March 12, 1931 to Alfred and Cunnigunda Simon, in Bear Creek Township on the family farm.  He grew up in Petoskey and attended Petoskey schools.  On January 6, 1951 he married Evelyn Beard in Petoskey; they shared 51 wonderful years and together raised 9 children.  Sadly Evelyn preceded Leonard in death on March 22, 2002.  Then on July 12, 2003 he married the former Marilyn Hughey.  Leonard and Marilyn have shared 16 happy years together, blending their families and building many wonderful memories. 

Leonard spent nearly his entire working life as both a farmer and electrician.  Farming was a part of his life that really took root from his earliest years; but it was as an electrician that he earned his livelihood.  He was employed by Penn-Dixie Cement Corporation for more than two decades and then went on to work an additional 16 years for Petoskey Electric Motors.  He has been a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey.  He was also for many years active as a member of the Petoskey Eagles Club. 

Leonard has always been known as a kind and generous man, who was well-liked by his friends and co-workers.  As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother he excelled.  His children and grandchildren point proudly to Leonard as a guiding force in their lives.  His independent spirit, integrity, sense of humor and most importantly his kind heart are all traits that will make his memory so special to those that loved him most.  He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, rarely missing an opening day of deer season. Last fall when they put in his pacemaker, the doctor said –“you can’t go hunting”, and his response was – just watch me. He shot his last buck in November. Marilyn once asked him, which one of your kids do you love the most and he said the one I’m with. His wit, his charm and his ever present smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Leonard is survived by his loving wife Marilyn and by his children and step-children who include; Linda (Ron) Dunkel, Sandy (Tom) Lincoln, Dale Simon, Patti(Gary) Wolff, Kathy Simon, Steve (Suzy) Simon, Larry (Mindy) Simon, Tim Simon, Todd Simon, Dale (Sarah) Haven, Rory (Heidi) Haven and Jeff (Shawn) Haven. And brother-in-law Mike (Cindy) Beard who was like his own son.  Leonard was blessed with 39 grandchildren and they include; Cher, Donnie, Jackie, J.R., Sabrina, Lee, Nick, Kyle, Natalie, Carl, Anne, Amie, Alex, Brooks, Tod, Kristen Alisha, Devin, Trevor, Jake, Bethany, Garrett, Ashley, Ian, Ernie, Alex, 26 great-grandchildren  Dylan, Savanna, Drew, Remi, Gabe, Ellie, Maggie, Sierra, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Zackary, Stevie, Parker, Bodi, Joseph, Zack, Taylor, Anthony, Hallie, Madison, Olivia, Amelia, Kirstin, Janelle, Caleb, Tyler, Korbin, Izabella, Jack, Serena, Megen, Jessica, Emmet, Myles, Blake, Braelynn, Levi and Jaxson. Also surviving Leonard is his brother Dan (Evelyn) Simon and his sister in law Sandy Beard and numerous nieces and nephews, of which he treasured also, and could tell you all of their birthdays.  He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his parents, his brothers, William, Vincent and Vernon and by his sisters, Dorothy Krussell and Kate Krussell.

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