Alma Mae Simonsen

SIOUX CITY -- Alma Mae Simonsen, 85, of Sioux City passed away Saturday, December 24, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital. Per her wishes, the body will be creamted. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, with the Revc. Dan Lozer officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Alma Mae Simonsen was born March 24, 1926, in Sioux City, to Howard and Elsie (Laroche) Fouts. She graduated from Central High School in June 1944. She was united in marriage to Lester P. Simonsen on July 3, 1947, in Elk Point, S.D. She was employed as an elevator operator for 16 years at Davidson, the Orpheum and Francis Buildings. She was a radio operator for WNAX Sioux City studio. She also worked for Mitchell Hair Salon, Knit Nook, Ann's Hallmark and Bush Cleaners. She had been a member of Mayflower Congregational UCC since 1954, where she served on the diaconate board, vacation Bible School superintendent, Women's Fellowship and Christian Ed. She served as Smith School PTA president and PTA secretary. She is survived by her daughter, Starr Lynne (Jerry) Welch of Elk Point, S.D.; a son, Dexter P. (Carolyn) Simonsen of Irene, S.D.; grandchildren, Denelle (Tim) Bratcher of Murfeesboto, Tenn., Steven Finken of Sioux City, Damon (Angela) Finken of Elk Point, Kirk Jonas, Tom (Mike) Jonas, Clay Simonsen, and Shane (Brandie) Simonsen, all of Yankton, S.D., Melissa (Alan) Taggart of Gayville, S.D.; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Mikel Owen of Sioux City; special cousins, Lillian Owens and Barbara Harbeck; and very special friends, Paul and Jeanette Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a sister, Hazel James; brothers, Elmer Fouts and Fred Jones; and a son-in-law, Lou Brunetti.