Clifford Leroy Simonson

Clifford Leroy Simonson left his earthly home for his one in heaven on May 1, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held. A celebration of his life for friends and family will be planned when COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Cliff was born on December 1, 1933, in Columbus, ND, to Bernhard and Ella Barbara Simonson. He was their twelfth child of fourteen. When he was four, his mother passed away from cancer. His sister, Gen Carlson - a 6th grader - was put in charge of caring for him, along with one brother and four sisters. He started school at 4½. He and his younger brother started doing chores at a very young age. Their Dad was working away from home to provide for them the best he could. Cliff started milking cows when he was six. By eight, he was milking, separating, and carrying separated milk out to feed the other animals before going to school. He also worked for numerous local farmers.The neighbors always seemed to want the Simonson kids if they could hire them. His strong work ethic was one of his strongest traits, and it was something he instilled in his children. Cliff moved to Conrad in 1953, joining his older brother, Bob, doing elevator construction. He worked at construction for many years becoming accomplished in carpentry skills. He met Mary Harris, his soulmate, in 1954.They married on March 15,1957. After Mary finished her nurse's training, they lived in Conrad and raised five children, Sheila, Charlotte, David, Jennifer, and Scott. Cliff worked at construction with his brothers for many years, and then worked as a miller at PJ Anderson and Sons mustard elevator in Conrad for 20 years. He became an accomplished carpenter and built and remodeled several homes for his family. After he retired, he built and sold furniture. Cliff is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; children, Sheila Yuhas of Great Falls, Char (Loren) Tacke of Fairfield, Jennifer (Mike) Birnel of Choteau, Scott (Angela) Simonson of Helena, and daughter-in-law, Vickey (Dave) Simonson of East Helena; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Genevieve Carlson, Lillian Berg, and Phyllis Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews who thought the world of him. Cliff was preceded in death by his son, David; parents Ben and Ella; brothers, Floyd, Helmer, Bob, Les, Elmo, and Duane; sisters, Emelia, Lily, Vera, and Myrtle. Memorials can be sent to Trinity Lutheran, Skyline Lodge, or Benefis Teton Nursing Home.