Ruth Simonsen

Ruth J. Simonsen, age 101, of Morgan, MN, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Gil-Mor Manor Nursing Home in Morgan, Minnesota. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023 from St. Michael’s Catholic church in Morgan, MN, with burial to follow in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Morgan. A prayer service will be held at 9:00 a.m., with a visitation to follow on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Fall are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Ruth Josephine Scharfencamp, the daughter of Herman and Cecelia (Kerkhoff) Scharfencamp, was born on July 30, 1922 in Sherman Township, rural Morgan, Minnesota. Ruth attended and graduated from Morgan High School before dedicating her life to raising her family. On November 5, 1942 Ruth married Denis Green and resided in rural Morgan. Denis passed away on January 6, 1999. Ruth later married Bernard Simonsen on August 5, 2000 until his death in 2014. She was a loving and caring mother who found joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and also great-great grandchildren

In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, Ruth had many interests and hobbies that brought her happiness throughout her life. She enjoyed playing golf and gathering with friends. Ruth was also an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Morgan. She was involved in the Alter Society and Catholic Aid Society, where she found comfort in her faith and community.

Ruth is survived by her children Tom (JoAnn) Green of Morgan; Jill (Richard) Pistulka of Richfield; Laure Green of Richfield; Kris (Don Gilhousen) Green of Anchorage, AK; Kathy (Mark) Thompson of Minnetonka; as well as daughter-in-law Shirley (Ron) Welter of Cold Springs; stepsons; Paul (Jan) Simonsen, Tom (Judy) Simonsen, Jerry (Patti) Simonsen, stepdaughters, Cecelia Shipp and Lorie (Bob) Hoffman; sister, Fern Paschke of Austin. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in her 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband’s Denis Green and Bernard Simonsen, as well as her sons Patrick and James Green. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Mary Baune, son-in-law Michael Shibe, grandson Eric Green, brothers Paul, Dale, Ralph and Lyle Scharfencamp, and sister Opal Malacek. 

Ruth Simonsen was a remarkable woman who brought immense joy and love into the lives of those around her. Her legacy will forever live on through her family and friends who were lucky enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with her throughout her beautiful life.

Blessed be her memory.