Norman "Si" Lester Simons

Norman "Si" L. Simons, age 95, of Newell, Iowa died Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at his home in Newell. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will follow in the Newell Cemetery. A Masonic service will follow the luncheon. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the CHURCH. To view a livestream of the service, use the following link https://bit.ly/normansimons and enter password: funeral. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements. Norman Lester Simons was born May 3, 1927 to Paul William and Lucy Antoinette (Shaw) Simons in Boyer, Iowa. He attended school in Dow City, Iowa, graduating in 1944. Norman entered the United States Navy in 1944 and served during World War II. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor on a cruiser and patrol sub-chaser. After his service in the military, he worked for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad as depot agent in Newell and Storm Lake for 44 years until retirement. On August 20, 1950, Norman was united in marriage to Evelyn Lee Gipple at the Methodist Church in Bridgewater, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Leslee Diane, Mark Randall, Christa Lynn and Laura Lee. Norman participated in the 2011 Honor Flight to Washington, DC, and in 2023, was awarded a Quilt of Valor for his service in WWII. He served as a Mason for over seventy years, conducting many Masonic funerals. Norman was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where he held the title of Worthy Patron three times, one of which serving with his wife, Evelyn, as Worthy Matron. He was also a member of the Shriners and American Legion. Norman served on the School Board as well as the Nain Lutheran Church Board. Norman was a true outdoorsman. He loved camping, bow hunting for deer, fishing, mushroom hunting and bird watching. He was a ham radio operator connecting with people around the world and he was a Master Telegrapher. Norman had a gift for music and playing the piano and organ brought much enjoyment to his family and friends. He was a gifted writer, creating poetry and limericks for all occasions. His story telling and jokes are a favorite memory to many. After their retirement, Norman and Evelyn headed south for the winters where they were avid league golfers with Norman having eight holes-in-one to his credit over the years. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes on league as well as with family. Norman was excellent at cribbage. He looked forward to family trips and vacations and treasured time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish Norman’s memory include his wife, Evelyn Simons of Newell, Iowa; children: Leslee Oziah of O’Fallon, Missouri; Christa Simons of Boone, Iowa; Laura Simons of Newell, Iowa; daughter-in-law: Deb (Mark) Miller of Perry, Iowa; brother-in-law: Glenn Cue of Webster City, Iowa; grandchildren: Tracey (Rod) Brooks of Wolcott, Indiana; Michelle Bowman of Lebanon, Indiana; Joel (Adrianne) Oziah of Waterman, Illinois; Jeremy (Jessica) Oziah of Greeley, Colorado; Dr. Mark (Molly) Simons of Poolesville, Maryland; Bridgette Scott of Ames, Iowa; Benjamin (Heather) Ure of Boone, Iowa; Christopher (Ashley) Ure of Boone, Iowa; Lindsey (Nathan) Stewart of Madison, Alabama; Leah (Matt) Schipper of Kimball, South Dakota; Simon Cowell of Newell, Iowa; Thomas (Jazmine) Cowell of Newell, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Kinzi Brooks; Ian Brooks; Samantha Bowman; Jaland Bowman; JoLee Bowman; Gretta Oziah; Gemma Oziah; Gannon Oziah; Page Oziah, Bradley Oziah; Jennavieve Ure; Gage Ure; Dylan Stewart; Joshua Stewart; Chael Newman; Chandler Newman; Camryn Newman; Colton Schipper; Kellan Cowell; Paislee Cowell; Kinslee Cowell; Wrenlee Cowell; great-great grandchild: Dezmond Bowman-Clark; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Paul and Antionette (Shaw) Simons; sisters: Marie Cue; Paulyn Ruechel; son: Mark Randall Simons; and parents-in-law: Harvey and Ruth Gipple.

Norman "Si" Lester Simons

May 3, 1927 - April 25, 2023