Duane "Dewey" M. Simonson

Duane "Dewey" Simonson, a local businessman of Pine City died at his home on Sunday morning, August 31st.  He was 72 years old.  Dewey was born on Nov. 27, 1941 in Rugby, North Dakota. He moved to Minnesota in his early school years.  In 1962 he married Mary Thornberg. They had two children, Cyndy and Timothy. Dewey was employed by Fairmont Foods in Minneapolis as a transportation manager for 14 years. In 1984, he accepted a position with Wayne Dairy Products in Richmond, Indiana as transportation manager. After several years at this company he was promoted to executive vice president and later appointed president and CEO. In 1995 Dewey and his family moved to Pine City, Minnesota where he purchased the Pump-n-Munch gasoline and convenience store along with a lubrication and car wash business.  He continued operating this business until he was unable to becouse of ill health. Dewey enjoyed playing golf and watching NASCAR racing.  Dewey is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Cyndy Simonson of Pine City, son Tim Simonson of Savage, three grandchildren Emilee, Hannah and Justin Simonson, sisters Karen (Robert) Sink of San Diego, Calif., Joan (Scott) Murray of Bloomington, MN., sisters-in-law Connie (Duane) Dahlstrom of Rock Creek, Patricia Thornberg of Shoreview, MN., brother-in-law Tom (Cathy) Thornberg of East Bethel as well as nine nephews and 4 nieces.He was preceded in death by his parents Carl M. and Sylvia (Hanson) Simonson, a sister Donna Aure and nephews Ken and Michael Aure.A Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 9th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, all at the Swanson Funeral Chapel, 665 3rd Ave. SW, Pine City.Other arrangements are being done privately by the family.