Mark Murrell Simcox

Mark Murrell Simcox was called home by Jesus on July 8th, 2023, doing what he loved at the place he loved. Marky Boy was born April 21st, 1944, in St. Peter, MN to Murrell and Minnie (Dahlke) Simcox. He arrived home to the Simcox Family Homestead (founded in 1856). He attended a one room schoolhouse where he established lifelong friendships with the “Keystone Bunch” and together they found their share of mischief.

Mark’s youth was filled with adventure, shenanigans, and often wandering the countryside exploring nature and seeing how far he could push the limits. From an early age he enjoyed hunting, trapping, and all the lessons nature could teach him. The squirrels, pocket gophers, and varmints in Blakeley Township are now much safer.

At Belle Plaine High School he continued to find ways to create content for future storytelling. One of his favorite stories was “The Tomatoes.”  He and a few cohorts took it upon themselves to “harvest” tomatoes from multiple local gardens. They then proceeded to find their way to the roof of BPHS where they launched their tomatoes on innocent traffic passing by. This happened to include a Police Officer. This wasn’t part of their plan; they did not expect to hit his squad car! Marky Boy and his cohorts had to think fast. Down from the roof they went and unloaded the rest of the tomatoes on their own vehicles. They headed downtown where they knew they would find the Officer parked behind the Popcorn Truck. The Officer quickly accused them, “Boys did you do this to my car?”  They exclaimed, “No! Look at our cars - they got us too!” 

He always said he had a great childhood…because it lasted 31 years! He also said, all the pretty ladies came from the surrounding areas to Larry Blaha’s Bar in Blakeley because that’s where the good-lookin’ Blakeley boys were. Larry’s Bar eventually became Spit’s Saloon, and it was at Spit’s Grand Opening where he met the love of his life, Sherrie Behnke. They married November 2nd, 1974. They were blessed with three daughters, Susie, Sally, and Sadie who to this day believe they each are his favorite.

After the passing of his dad, Murrell, (on July 8th, 1985) Mark and Sherrie purchased the Simcox Homestead. This Homestead brought Mark endless joy. It was his canvas to create more mischief, mentor many, and craft lifelong memories. Mark and Sherrie worked to improve the Homestead to build a gathering place filled with peace many could experience. Mark was a skilled heavy equipment operator and used his beloved 1966 John Deere 4020 like it was a D8 Cat. With it, he transformed the landscape in the spirit of conservation, doing what was best for nature and the land.

He loved connecting with people, whether it was during his 30+ years at Kmart distribution center, a local café, a fish fry, or Fleet Farm. He waved to everyone and anyone. He once even waved to himself in a mirror at Cabela’s because he was so friendly. He had a positive impact on everyone he encountered.

At Father’s Day this year his girls asked him what he wanted to be remembered for, and he said, “Girls, it is simple - I tried to be kind and do what was right.” He succeeded. Mark felt lucky in life. He often commented aloud, “I wonder why the Lord has smiled upon me as he has?” With deep faith, Mark so often reminded us, “everything is in the Lord’s hands.”

Survived by Sherrie, his devoted wife of nearly 49 years.  Daughters: Susie (Andy) Steinhagen, Sally Simcox and significant other Steve Hunt, and Sadie (Jake) Beckius.  He had four Grandsons he adored: Trystan, Will, Fritz and Ollie.

Also survived by multiple brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a sister, nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces, and many others who all considered him a best friend.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Interment will be at Schlegel Cemetery in Blakeley Township. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 P.M. on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral service on Friday. Luncheon and a time of visitation will follow the services. 

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