In Memory of Joseph "Dode" Simonet

Joseph Martin "Dode" Simonet age 92, of Stillwater, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 21 at Boutwell’s Landing. He was born on November 19, 1923, the son of Joseph and Helen (Martin) Simonet. Dode was a lifelong resident of Stillwater and graduate of St. Michael’s Catholic School, Stillwater High School, and Notre Dame where he received his degree in business. He went on to serve his country in the Army during World War II in both the European and Pacific theaters.   After serving three years in the U.S. Army during World War II, Joseph “Dode” Simonet thought he might get a break from the family furniture and funeral business when he returned home to Stillwater in February 1946.

He got one night.

“After traveling for weeks by boat from Tokyo to San Francisco and then taking a lengthy train trip, he got home around 5 p.m.,” said his eldest son, Martin Simonet, of Stillwater. “They had dinner, stayed up kind of late, and he went to bed thinking he would have a day off and get a little rest and take it easy. His father (Joseph Simonet Sr.) called in the morning when he got down to the furniture store and said: ‘Hey, wake him up. I need him to come down and work today.’” 

He was a fourth-generation owner to work in the family business for 60+ years at Simonet Furniture and Funeral Home. Dode was united in marriage to Jean McGrath on July 16, 1955 at the Church of St. Michael. Dode was a founding member of SARA (Stillwater Amateur Radio Association) and ROAR (Rotarians of Amateur Radio). He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Stillwater Rotary Club and a 67 year member of the Stillwater Country Club. Dode was a lifelong parishioner at the Church of St. Michael where he served on the Historical Committee. Dode is survived by his sons, Martin (Kathleen Maertz), Philip (Sue), John, Robert (Carol), Michael, and Christopher (Christine); grandchildren, Matt, Mike, Lisa, Mitch, Sean, Nicholas, Brennan, and Eric; and brother, Tom (Cis) Simonet. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents; and sister, Dorothy Kilty. 

Even after he retired, Dode Simonet worked part-time at the furniture store until it closed in 2009. At the time, it was thought to be the oldest continuously family-owned and -operated furniture store in the United States.  Dode then continued to work at the funeral home part-time until his death.

Simonet Funeral Home

Stillwater, MN