Carolyn Simonson

Carolyn’s service will be livestreamed below at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 22, 2025:

Carolyn Simonson, age 87, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 9:45 am. She was born in Highland Township on January 21, 1938, to Leroy and Leona (Utke) Buttke. Carolyn was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend with an extremely big heart and a contagious graciousness that extended to those outside her family. Carolyn had an enthusiasm for life as well as a passion for people—even those she may not have yet met.

Carolyn graduated from Enderlin High School in 1955 and married Myron Simonson in June 1956. She was the mother of Marion, Keith, Steven, and Kenneth. They lived and worked in Enderlin until they moved to West Fargo in 2010. Carolyn worked several jobs in Enderlin where she always greeted everyone with a big smile. Her passion was her family. She loved gardening and canning, as well as hunting and fishing. Carolyn and Myron enjoyed spending time with their Plainsmen Black Powder Club. Myron and Carolyn, known as Windage and Crooked-Sights in the Club, slept in their teepee and demonstrated muzzle loader shooting and frontier-style skills to others. Carolyn was known for making her Indian fry bread and other frontier delicacies.

Not only did she have a deep love and passion for her family, she dedicated her time to help others—spending hours making blankets for the homeless, gathering and distributing clothes for the needy, and volunteering at the Dorothy Day House. She made an impact on many lives, and made a lasting impression on those she met or affected through her kindness.

Carloyn was predeceased by her parents (Leroy and Leona Buttke), her husband Myron, a brother (James Buttke), four sisters (Gloria Buttke, Cheryl Rust, Rosemary Neros and Priscilla Froemke), daughter Marion, and grandson Josh Ertelt. She is survived by her three sons and their families: Keith and Ginger Simonson of Flower Mound, TX; Steve Simonson and Kellie Berg of Pelican Rapids, MN; and Ken and Janel Simonson of Fargo, ND. Carolyn is survived by six grandchildren: Kelsey (Luke) Nefzger, Kara (Kasey) Brown, Sabrina Greenwood, Russel Frederick, Justine Peterson and Jewell Simonson. Carolyn also has 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Enderlin Cemetery Fund: Enderlin Cemetery Assoc., Attn: Duane Skramstad, PO Box 84, Enderlin, ND 58027

A burial ceremony in Enderlin will be held in the Spring at a time yet to be determined.