Elvina Simon

Elvina Simon, 87, of Gettysburg, passed away, Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Hoven. A prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the church.

Elvina C. Knecht was born, October 10, 1929, in rural Lowry, SD to Gottlieb and Mary (Reuer) Knecht. She attended Sunny Side elementary school at Lowry, SD. At the age of 14, her family moved to a farm near the Swan Creek area, Hoven, SD. As a teenager, Elvina was employed by local farm families to help on their farms. She enjoyed playing softball in her free time.

Elvina married Marvin Edward Simon, May 21, 1947, at St. Anthony's Church, Hoven, SD. They made their home on a farm one mile West of Lebanon, SD. Marvin & Elvina managed a ranching operation which consisted of raising beef cattle, hogs, grains & row crops. Their biggest joy was the beef cattle business which they did for over 50 years. To this union, four children were born: Gregg, Rick, Sharon and Tim. Elvina dedicated over 50 years of her life working side by side with her husband on their ranching operation. They retired and moved to Gettysburg, SD in 1998.

Elvina taught elementary Catholic Christian Doctrine at Lebanon, SD for eight years as part of St. Mary's Parish in the 1970s'. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Parish and Sacred Heart Altar Society, Gettysburg, SD.   Elvina's life was devoted to her husband and family. She enjoyed playing cards, visiting with friends and spending time with her family. Elvina was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished every occasion she could spend with them. The major highlight of each year was Christmas at Marvin & Elvina’s home. All of their children, grandchildren & great grandchildren would try and make it back for this special annual family gathering. They felt so blessed as most of the family was able to travel back each year.

Elvina is survived by sons: Gregg (Sharon Morgan) Simon, of Mobridge, Rick (Imelda Schmidt) Simon, Gettysburg, and Tim (Sandy Boik) Simon, Webster; daughter, Sharon (Mark) Mulder, Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one sister, Lucille Weisgram, Rapid City, and one brother, Harvey Knecht, Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin in January, 2010; parents, Gottlieb & Mary Knecht and one sister, Elsie Seurer.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial be directed to any of the three following: Keep Hope Local, c/o Stacy Larson, 127 Hilltop Dr., Gettysburg, SD 57442; Medicine Rock Senior Center Meals on Wheels Program, 107 W Logan, Gettysburg, SD 57442 or the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, PO Box 285, Gettysburg, SD 57442.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Elvina’s arrangements.