Shirley Jean (Allen) Simmerman

Shirley Simmerman, 93, of Bemidji, MN died Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Memorial services will be 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the United Methodist Church, Bemidji. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Shirley Jean Allen was born November 17, 1927, to Leonard and Nellie Allen of Northome, MN where she was raised and graduated from Northome High School in 1945.  She graduated from Rogers & Benner Beauty School in Minneapolis in 1946.  After graduation she worked at the Looking Glass Beauty Salon and O’Meara’s Beauty Salon in Bemidji.  After her apprenticeship, Shirley received her manager’s license.  She returned to Minneapolis and worked for N.W. National Bank at its main office in the transit department. Shirley then moved back to Northome and worked at 1st State Bank of Northome for 6 years as bookkeeper and teller.  She served two terms as village treasurer of Northome.  She married Vernon Simmerman on February 12, 1953, in Bovey, MN.  They lived in Northome for six years then moved to Bemidji in 1960, where Vernon worked for MnDOT.  They began building their home in 1960 and Vernon died in 1967.  They had four children at the time.  Shirley completed the home building and educated the children in Bemidji- two graduating from Bemidji State University and the other two graduating from NTC Bemidji.  After the children were educated, she went back to work as an AVON representative for eight years, worked for ISD 31 in the bakery and then went to work for Pan O’ Gold Bakery Company in the Holsum Thrift in Bemidji for 26 plus years from which she retired at the age of 80.  Shirley held membership in the American Legion Auxiliary for 60+ years, serving as president and in VFW Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron.  She was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Bemidji.  Shirley enjoyed knitting, for the troops, crocheting, tatting, arts, and crafts.  She also loved playing piano.

She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Simmerman, Terri (Douglas) Simons and Hollie Simmerman; son, Michael (Jean) Simmerman; 5 grandchildren, Samantha & Luke Simmerman, Nicholas & Zachary Simons, and Morgan Simmerman; 2 great-grandchildren, Hailie & Payton Simmerman; sister, Ruth Jourdan; five nieces & nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon Simmerman; stepson, Larry Mills; mother & father-in-law; sister-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law; a niece.

Memorials preferred to United Methodist Church, American Auxiliary, or donor’s choice.

www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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