Clarence Simenson

Clarence Simenson, 93, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Bismarck with his family at his side. A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, July 10 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Underwood, ND. Family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 3:00PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Born on April 15, 1933, in Hazen, ND to Olaf and Cassie (Pulver) Simenson. He attended schools in Zap, Halliday, and Underwood. After schooling Clarence went to work at Underwood Coal Company until joining the Army in 1953. After basic training, he was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged and returned to Underwood in 1955.

Clarence operated Underwood Sand and Gravel and SY’s Trucking. He began work with North American Coal at Coteau Mine and then Falkirk Mine. He retired from Falkirk Mine in 1998. After retiring, they spent winters in Arizona and Texas and traveled to many places to visit family. He was hardworking, always there to help when needed.

Clarence met Shirley Huber at a challenge car race in 1956 where Clarence won and Shirley was the trophy girl. The two were married on August 3, 1958. Their family grew with the addition of three sons: Louis (Deb), Jay (Kate) and Kelly; grandchildren, Jaden (Shalee), Jordan, Grace (J.R.) Kerzmann, Scott (Jess), Casandra (Ivan) Lopez, Jamie (Michael) Bahr; great-grandchildren, Roan, Grey, Kove, Camryn, Hadley, Kolter, Benson, Jolie, Shepherd Clarence, Soffie, Demi and Carly. He is also survived by two sisters, Mavis Anderson of Bismarck and Marge (Max) Guenthner of Bismarck; sister-in-law, Paula Simenson of Florida and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clarence had a routine of morning coffee and pancakes with the “boys” at local restaurants. He was quite the jokester and loved to visit. He enjoyed camping, goose hunting, fishing and trips to Canada to fish. He never let anyone drive his boat! He helped at the farm until last fall. He was a “fixer”, but his favorite job was driving truck.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ken; brother-in-law, Al Anderson and in-laws, Charles and Gladys Huber.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a local church or veteran’s organization.