Michael Simon

After living with Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, it is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved family member and friend Michael “Mike” Romeo Simon on July 11, 2026, at the age of 69. 

Preceded in death by wife Denise Simon, and father Romeo Simon. 

Survived by children Kimberly (Joseph) Thiel, Kristofer (Elizabeth) Simon, and Megan Bibeau; grandchildren Keegan and Dolly; mother Claire Camara; siblings Suzanne (Brian) Franco, Shirley Fragata, and David (Jennifer) Simon; as well as many other loving relatives and friends. 

Mike was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on November 11,1956. Mike grew up enjoying theater and was a member of the drama club in high school. He spoke fondly of his high school performance in the role of Stanley from “Streetcar Named Desire.” Mike’s appreciation for theater continued throughout his life, and he enjoyed attending performances whenever he had the chance. 

After graduating from Durfee High School in 1974, Mike pursued a baking certification from the American Institute of Baking. He worked in many capacities in the baking industry for over 40 years, he took pride in his work, and always attempted to make any job light-hearted and entertaining.

On July 2, 1976, Mike married his high school sweetheart Denise Senechal at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in their hometown Fall River, Massachusetts. In 1978, Mike and Denise moved to Minnesota for career opportunities and to start a family. Mike and Denise shared a lifetime of adventures together in their 41 years of marriage. Mike used to say, “Denise is the boss of me!” and Denise would never argue that. 

Mike was always a kid at heart. Therefore, bonding with his children and grandchildren came naturally to him. Whether playing with toys, riding rollercoasters, umpiring baseball games, or jogging a few steps in a marathon, Mike was always one of the biggest cheerleaders of his children and grandchildren alike. Being a grandpa, or “pépe,” was a special honor for Mike, and spending time with his grandchildren brought him great joy. 

Playing cards was Mike’s preferred pastime. He and his wife both played 500 together with a  group of friends for 40 years. Mike enjoyed being his daughter Kim’s partner when playing 500 against Denise and his son-in-law Joe. Mike and Kim played so well together that they named themselves “The Dream Team.” Poker was Mike’s favorite card game. He learned to play from his father Romeo, and passed down his knowledge to his son Kris. Mike played poker any chance he could get, and was commonly referred to by the nicknames “The Greek,” and “The Baker” within the poker community. His most notable poker performance was in 2006, when he became a World Poker Tour Champion in Reno, Nevada. 

An avid sports fan, Mike could often be found lounging in a pair of flannel pants, snacking on cheese puffs or Little Debbie treats, and sipping soda while cheering for his favorite sports teams on the weekends. Being from New England he was a die hard Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots fan, but he cheered for Minnesota teams when they played too. Mike knew the statistics of most baseball, basketball and football teams, and could rattle them off at any time. When presented with the opportunity, he enjoyed attending sporting events in person as well. 

Mike had a great appreciation for a variety of music genres. He always listened to music, and attended numerous concerts throughout his life. Some concerts he spoke fondly of were Eminem, Steve Miller Band, Al Green, The Rolling Stones, Salt N’ Pepa, and Paula Abdul. Mike was truly a walking jukebox, and he had a special talent of turning the lyrics of any song to be about baking or himself. 

Another one of Mike’s hobbies was traveling. One of his favorite places to travel was Las Vegas. It was the perfect place to celebrate his love of music, poker, and theater. On one of his trips to Vegas, Mike acquired a stuffed monkey he affectionately named “Rally Monkey,” who became a companion on all of his future travel adventures. Outside of visiting Las Vegas, Mike enjoyed taking trips to the tropical destinations of Hawaii and Aruba. He also appreciated going on roadtrips, and took numerous family trips throughout the continental US. Additionally, Mike had a great time visiting Europe, particularly the cafes of Amsterdam. 

Mike was a fun-loving and charismatic man. When bidding adieu after visiting loved ones, instead of saying “goodbye” he would state, “Be young, Have fun!” Mike lived out the motto “Be young, Have fun!” throughout his life, and would encourage us all to continue doing the same in honor of him. 

Celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd St. NE, Osseo, visitation from 4-6:00 PM, and memorial service at 6:00 PM. Reception immediately following memorial at Clive’s Roadhouse Champlin. Internment St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at: https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3637