Leslie Simpson

Les Simpson, 88 a resident of Knute Nelson Nursing Home in Alexandria, passed away on November 4, 2009 after a long battle with heart disease and cancer. Leslie John Simpson, Jr. was born on November 1, 1921 in Hankinson, North Dakota to Leslie J. Simpson and Lillian E. (Money) Simpson. The family lived in New Rockford, ND, Richville and Elbow Lake, MN. They settled in Madison, MN in 1931, where he graduated from high school in 1939. He worked and attended Iowa State University before enlisting in the army in 1942. He served in the artillery battalion of the 104th lnfantry (Timberwolves) Division, rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Les was involved in the liberation of France, Belgium, and Holland, and participated in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany. On July 15, 1945, he was united in marriage to Julia G. Helling in Madison, MN. Following his discharge from the army in 1946, the couple moved to Harvey, ND. In 1949 they moved to Graceville, MN, where they operated a hatchery and a flower shop until they retired to Sioux Falls, SD, in 1986. They returned to Minnesota in 1998 living in Alexandria to be near their son and granddaughter. Les was a well-respected businessman noted for his fairness, friendliness, hard work and integrity. He was an avid gardener and was involved in several crafts. He enjoyed following the Twins, Vikings, Sarah's tennis team, and Dick's sports teams. He was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge. He also served as the first president of the nursing home board in Graceville, helping to start the Grace Home nursing facility. He loved his family and was especially proud of his only granddaughter, Sarah. He is survived by his son, Dick (Elaine) of Brandon, granddaughter Sarah of Fargo, ND, one sister, Leona Classen of Morris, and two brothers, James. (Joyce) of Seattle, WA and Robert (Anne) of Rogers, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Julia, a sister and brother-in-law, Eloise and John Longman, brother-in-law Harold Classen, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Mildred Foster, and brother-in-law Curtis Helling. A memorial service was held Monday, November 9, 2009 at Knute Nelson Chapel in Alexandria with the Rev. James Oakland officiating. Inurnment will be in the Madison Cemetery at a later date. The Jesse S. Poole Post #297 accorded Military Honors. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home of Alexandria.