Chris Simon

Chris Simon, 61, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Father's Day, June 21, 2026, after navigating metastatic gastrointestinal cancer with grace and fortitude.

Born on October 9, 1964, in Mankato, Minnesota, Chris was the beloved son of Leslie and Darleen Simon. He was raised in Blaine, where he graduated from Blaine High School in 1983. He later earned a degree in Urban Studies and Geography from the University of Minnesota, laying the foundation for a career defined by leadership, innovation, and service.

Above all else, Chris was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. For 25 wonderful years, he shared a life filled with love and laughter with his wife, Jacqie. Together they raised two children, Ashley and Andrew, who were the pride and joy of his life. His family was always at the center of everything he did. Whether traveling together, coaching and cheering at baseball games, sharing stories around the table, offering thoughtful advice, or making everyone laugh with his quick wit, Chris had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Chris began his 25-year career with Target shortly after graduating from college. Starting as a Team Leader, he rose through the ranks to become a Store Team Leader and quickly became one of the company's experts in opening SuperTarget stores. He played a key role in launching Minnesota's first SuperTarget in Shoreview and went on to help open several more SuperTarget locations across the state. He took a short break from Store Management to explore an opportunity as Regional Director for Music/Movies/Books. Before leaving Target, he proudly led the remodeling and reopening of the Edina SuperTarget, the flagship store for many of the company’s newest innovations and operational processes.

Chris then consulted with Goodwill Industries, helping improve recycling logistics. He later served as Director of Doctors for Visionworks, where he continued to build strong relationships and mentor others. In what he affectionately called his "retirement job," Chris worked as a consultant for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, collaborating with technology teams and park staff to improve park reservation systems and enhance the visitor experience. We were grateful to receive his retirement paperwork in the mail on June 20, making his retirement officially official. Throughout his career, he was respected for his remarkable intelligence, unwavering work ethic, creative problem-solving, and ability to inspire those around him.

Outside of work, Chris found joy in long walks, visiting with friends and colleagues, reading, and continually learning. He was known for his sharp mind, generous heart, steadfast faith, and unforgettable sense of humor. Even during his illness, he faced each day with courage, resilience, grace, and optimism, inspiring countless people with his strength and unwavering spirit.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Jacqie; his cherished children, Ashley and Andrew; his parents, Leslie and Darleen Simon; his sister, Lesley (Glenn) Scheidegger; his extended family; and many dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Sr. and Helen Rupp, and Henry and Angela Simon.

Although his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Chris's legacy lives on in the love he gave so freely, the faith he lived so faithfully, and the compassion he showed so generously. He will always be remembered by the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and laughter. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 3:00 p.m. at the Nazareth Chapel at the University of Northwestern (3003 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55113). Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Jacqie, Ashley, and Andrew extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr.Jahagidar, Landon Bresina, PA-C, and the ENTIRE team at Regions Cancer Center. Your exceptional care, compassion, and kindness made Chris feel like he was your favorite patient every time he walked through the doors. Although his Home Hospice was short, our team from Park Nicollet Hospice Care was amazing to work with. A special and deeply heartfelt thank you goes to Jenny Elton, his sister-in-law, best friend, and advocate. Your unwavering love, support, and friendship carried Chris and our family through some of life's most difficult moments. We are also profoundly grateful to our family, friends, neighbors, and everyone who surrounded us with prayers, encouragement, and love throughout Chris's journey.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."