Jeffery Alan “Jeff” Simonsen, age 79, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023 at his home in Calhoun, Missouri.
Jeff was born October 12, 1944, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Ted and Joyce Simonsen.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and father-in-law.
Jeff is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Mona Reid and husband (Jim), and daughter Rachael Edmunds; grandchildren, Metthea Jones, Lane Reid (Amanda), Steven Walker, Hannah Wells (Benjamin), and Matthew Walker; 3 great-grandchildren, Nico Reid, Tatum Wells, and Laney Jones; his sister Cheryl Blaine (Bill), along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jeff grew up on a farm outside of Humboldt, IA, where he loved to ride his horses Brownie and Dan Patch everywhere from haircuts in town to the middle of his parent’s living room. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1962.
After high school, Jeff enlisted in the Army where he served 3 years as a mechanic stationed in Germany. Once he was back stateside he moved to Kansas City where he attended US Trade School for Diesel Mechanics. He stayed in the city where he worked as a general mechanic at Sheffield Steel for 4 years. Those four years were filled with friends, motorcycles, and an Olds 442.
Jeff was then introduced to the town of Leeton, MO by one of his friends from Kansas City. He then began his career as a truck driver where he worked until retirement at the age of 62. In true Jeffrey fashion after retirement, he found another job as a farm hand until his second retirement in 20.
He was united in marriage to Janet Simonsen on July 24, 1982. Together they enjoyed going on motorcycle rides and everything that had to do with spending time with friends at Stockton Lake.
Beyond motorcycles and the lake, he loved Model A’s, hunting, fishing, tractor pulls, tinkering in his shop, and a hot cup of coffee and conversation. Jeff was a man who could make trash into treasure with a few scraps and an amazing idea. That kind of thinking is what brought along his Facebook famous bike/truck “trike” or as Janet would call it “The Thing” as every so often someone sees it for the first time and is bewildered by such a creation.
Jeffrey has spread his creativity, humor, joy, and his knowledge and passion for God not only throughout his family, but his community. He will truly be missed but his legacy and memory will carry on. We love and miss you Grandpa!
A memorial visitation was held December 14, 2023 at Life Ministries Church, Clinton, MO.. Military honors were under the direction of VFW Post #1894 and the US Army.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.
