Obituary of Simon Innvaer

Simon Innvaer, age 87, of Waconia, passed away Sunday, July 26th, 2015 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia. Simon Innvaer was born September 7th, 1927 in Haugesund, Norway, the son of Simon and Hanna (Gaasland) Innvaer. He was baptized at Bremnes Kirke on 10-30-1927 in Bremnes, Norway. Simon attended the University of Trondheim, Norway and graduated with a degree in Diesel and Mechanical Engineering. On July 19th, 1952, Simon was united in marriage to Nancy M. Ostensen at Bremnes Kirke in Bremnes, Norway. Simon and Nancy immigrated to the United States in 1954, initially to New York but soon relocated to Minnesota and resided in Minneapolis. Simon worked in mining and manufacturing and after a few years, and 3 children, the family moved to Wisconsin when he went to work for Allis Chalmers Mining division, designing and building ore processing plants. His work took him all over the world and in 1968 he took his family with him to Sweden while he built a plant near Kiruna, above the Arctic Circle. Since all of the extended family lived overseas the family spent many summers traveling to Norway and spending time with relatives. When Simon realized his family had not seen very much of the United States he decided we needed to spend the next two summers taking camping trips to explore the northwest and then east through Canada and the east coast. Very American with the popup camper and the station wagon. Simon and Nancy continued to travel throughout their life, making it to all 50 states and many foreign lands. Simon was a true engineer, always designing interesting contraptions as well as designing all three homes that they built. Simon was very active and greatly enjoyed taking his grandson with him on sailing, boating, and other adventures. He was very proud of all his children and grandchildren. He spent many hours watching his grandchildren play soccer and offering tips! Simon and Nancy became citizens on 12/21/66 and while proud to be Americans, they were equally proud of their Norwegian heritage. They joined Sons of Norway while living in Wisconsin, and then again after moving back to Minnesota. Simon was also active with the Torske Klubben and the Norwegian American Technical Society. Simon was preceded in death by his parents Simon and Hanna Innvaer; his in-laws Henrik and Johanne Saeverud; brothers Anders, Jens, Peder, Ragnvald and Harald Innvaer; sisters Marianne Holmen and Anna Sortland. Simon is survived by his loving family; wife Nancy, children Jan Olav (Judy) Innvaer of Blaine, Liv Kari (Diego) Martinez of Buckeye, AZ, Stein Harald (Lisa) Innvaer of Courtland, and Heidi Innvaer of Waconia; grandchildren Elizabeth (Jaron) Aune, Katie (Sebastian) Muffolini, Peter (Chloe) Innvaer, Kari Knowlton, Eric (Kati) Knowlton, Danielle and Nicole Martinez, Hannah and Leah Innvaer, and Jan-Henrik Innvaer; great-grandchildren Kaden Aune, Maliki, Karis and Ezekiel Knowlton; Sisters Liv Sortland and Edit (Magne) Haaleraker; many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.