Obituary of Don Simpson

Simpson, Don

Donald E. Simpson, age 89 of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 2, 2019 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Scott Traynor officiating.  Burial will be approximately 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the ABVM Catholic Cemetery, Lynch, NE with Military Graveside Rites.  Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Friday, November 1, 2010 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with a rosary at 6:45 PM followed by a Scripture service at 7:00 PM.  Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.  Online condolences maybe sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.  Pallbearers are Don and Helen’s grandchildren: Jacqueline, Bree, Joe, Hannah, Kathleen, Clint, Christina, Rylee, Jake, Luke, Katy, Zac, and Kelsie.

Don is the oldest of six children and was born November 11, 1929 in Colome, SD to Ralph and Bessie (Paseka) Simpson.  Don went to country schools in Holt County and graduated from O’Neill High School and then joined the Navy.  Don and Helen were married in Kingsville, TX December 26, 1951.  Don received an honorable discharge from the Navy and moved to Lynch, Nebraska area to farm for 8 years.  Don and Helen then moved to the Yankton to run the Highway 81 Café for 3 years.  Don worked 24 years for the Corps of Engineers, 3 years for BY Electric, and then started “Simpson Sharp Shop”.  Don spent two years at Avera Majestic Bluffs and spent the last four months with Helen at the Simpson Ponderosa. 

Don was a lifetime member of Loyal Order of the Moose. He was also a member of American Legion and Knights of Columbus.  Don volunteered with Big Friend Little Friend, was trail boss for St. Jude trail rides, and was the Captain of a riverboat in Yankton.  Don drove the horse and buggy in many local parades, trained horses and was a true cowboy. He was a true Catholic and believed in the power of prayer. Don was a devoted Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.  He deeply loved being around his family and friends and telling stories.  Don will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by his wife, Helen Pojar Simpson of 67 years, his five children:  Michael of Georgetown, TX, Lorita (Don) Deurmier of Rapid City, SD, Geralyn (Jack) Henderson of Mulvane, KS, Roxanne (Marv) Baisden of Yorba Linda, CA, and William “Bill” (Kim) of Byers, CO.  “Poppy Don” is also survived by his precious 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Bessie; his two brothers, Eugene and Harold; his infant daughter, Laetitia and his infant son, Patrick.

In lieu of flowers and memorial gifts, please donate to Don’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or via www.stjude.org/donate or 1-800-822-6344.