Winnifred T. "Winnie" Simon, age 75, of New Prague, died Friday night, March 25th, her mother's birthday, at her home with her family at her side. Winnie was born on June 4, 1946 at New Prague Community Hospital to Thomas T. and Mary W. (Benes) Franek. She grew up in the St. Patrick area and attended country school there and graduated from New Prague High School. She married Dennis L. Simon and November 25, 1967, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, where they were the first to christen the new social hall with their wedding reception. They lived first in St. Paul, then Minneapolis, and finally Cambridge, where they grew their family of three children. In 1984, they took a chance and moved to New Prague and purchased Coast to Coast Hardware store. Winnie was fundamental in growing the family business to what is now 6 locations. Her work ethic was legendary and she soon became known as the "paint lady", the go-to person for any paint questions.
Winnie's faith was a cornerstone in her life as was her dedication to the New Prague community. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a dedicated volunteer to many community organizations and events. Golf was a favorite activity and she was a member of numerous ladies' leagues and attained two hole-in-ones! Competitive by nature, she thoroughly enjoyed cards and games and Bingo. Her children and grandchildren were the passion of her life, attending all their activities. Time for them took precedence. The needlepoint she did in her spare time created lasting treasures in the blankets that each grandchild (and others) were given. She was a consummate hostess, loving nothing more than having company in her home, where her prowess as a cook shone! She was famous for her pickles, home-made bread, and the Bloody Mary's made with her own tomato juice.
Winnie loved travel and the winters they spent in Florida. Shortly after her diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, she took a trip to NYC. The diagnosis did not stop her. It may have slowed her pace just a bit, but never her spirit. She never complained and her magnetism as a fun-loving, inclusive participant continued. No grass ever grew under Winnie's feet and she remained the center of her family's life. Her generosity and unflagging love will be missed by her family and friends but the inspiration that she left in dealing with health issues in a positive manner will remain as a legacy.
Winnies is survived by her husband, Dennis, of New Prague; children, Dean (Michelle) Simon of Lakeville, Donald (Lisa) Simon of New Prague, Nickey (Mark) Fitzenberger of Lakeville; grandchildren, Whitney Simon, Sydnee Simon, Ryan Puncochar, Madison Simon, Rex Fitzenberger; sister, Mary (John) Horejsi of Lonsdale; sister-in-law, Betty Franek of Montgomery. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard Franek.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 12:30 PM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7 pm and Thursday from 11-Noon. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the New Prague food shelf or Joseph's Coat in St. Paul.
