Mary Simon

Mary Lou (Kirsch) Simon, 67, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 21, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Mary was born on April 22, 1954, in Mahnomen, MN. She was one of nine children born to Leo and Verena (Barton) Kirsch. After graduating high school, she met the love of her life, Rick Simon, and they were married on September 9, 1972. Much to Mary’s delight, they began a family shortly after.

As a stay-at-home parent, Mary was hands-on and loved being a mom. Scouts, karate, dance, sleepovers, and a full vanload of kids were her happy place. This love translated into a career in education where she worked in special education, Native community schools, and with adult learners. She was a beloved teacher, dean of students, and principal in several schools across Minnesota. She earned her undergrad and graduate degrees from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and school administrator license from St. Cloud State University.

Mary loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. People were drawn to Mary’s adventurous and outgoing personality which made it easy for her to make friends. She was involved in writing group, prayer groups, and Koinonia retreats.  She had a strong faith and knew that the Lord was bringing her a lifetime of miracles.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Rick Simon, four     surviving children Al (Trista), Underwood; Christy, Fargo; Nicky (Beck), Apple Valley; Glen (Rena), Fergus Falls;    Grandchildren (Izaak, Andy, Zack, James, Jeffrey, Lucy, Eliana, Maryn, Josie); siblings Richard Kirsch (Millie), Waubun; Dave Kirsch, Detroit Lakes; Becky Sheggeby (Carroll), Alexandria, Sister-in-law Shari Kirsch, Mahnomen; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Verena Kirsch, son Jeffrey, grandchildren (Emma, Anna),siblings (brothers Kenneth, John, Rodney, Robert and sister Carol), sister-in-law Linda Kirsch, and nephew Kyle Kirsch.

Mary’s family would like to give a special thank you to the team at Sanford Health Home Dialysis which gave her freedom and control over how she could live her life in the last few years. She has had great doctors willing to allow her to continue to fight, include Dr. Wade Swenson from Fergus Falls. Also a thank you to Hospice of Red River Valley, and all our friends and family who have helped during this time of grieving.

A memorial scholarship is being set up in Mary’s name

Please see link to livestream below Funeral Mass service.