Jerad Mathias Simi

Jerad Mathias Simi passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 50, in Montgomery, MN, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and an unwavering connection to family and nature.

Jerad was born in Minneapolis, MN to his loving parents Dr. Arlen G. Simi and Gabriella M. Simi on April 24, 1975. He was raised in St. Cloud, MN with his family including his older brother, Jed Simi, and younger sisters Natalya Simi and Tasha Simi. He shared lovely stories of family vacations on the north shore and of time spent with his dad, his role model, who passed when Jerad was only 16 years of age.

He graduated from Tech High School in 1994 (St. Cloud, MN) and went on to pursue a business degree attending the University of MN-Duluth, St. Cloud State University, and later graduated in 2003 from Baker College with a bachelor’s degree in business. As an entrepreneur throughout his life, he owned a successful flooring installation business for several years, before owning a land business.

He met Auralie R. Peterson at St. Cloud State University, and they married on Oct 5, 2002, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (St. Joseph, MN). They welcomed two beautiful and beloved daughters into their 18-year marriage: Elianna R. Simi and Anneliese A. Simi, along with many pets throughout the years as Jerad loved animals, especially his dear poodle Dakota. Jerad’s greatest joy was being a father. His love for his daughters was boundless, and he found profound happiness in nurturing, guiding, and sharing loving moments with his girls. The time he shared with his daughters was precious and treasured.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hiking in nature, fishing, camping, and hunting with his brother and friends. He read immensely always wanting to learn new things about the world. He loved to travel within the U.S. and internationally. He enjoyed cooking for his family and testing out new recipes to perfection whether it be homemade salsa, pickled eggs, or sushi. Jerad also had an amazing green thumb in the garden with a variety of plants and enjoyed harvesting his own food.

Jerad is survived by his two cherished young daughters, Elianna Simi and Anneliese Simi and their mother Auralie Simi (Northfield, MN); His mother, Gabriella Simi (St. Cloud, MN); His brother Jed Simi (Kelly) (Maple Grove, MN); His sisters, Natalya Simi and Tasha Simi (St. Cloud, MN); His nephews Jacob Simi and Isaac Simi (St. Cloud, MN); And his nieces Maren Blatt (Ryan) (Maple Grove, MN) and Mya Simi, (Maple Grove, MN). Along with a wide circle of relatives and friends.

Jerad was preceded in death by his loving father, Arlen Simi, and his paternal grandparents George (Elsie Alice Pilon Simi) and Ellen Simi, and maternal grandparents Mathias and Caroline Mies. Jerad Mathias.

Jerad will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his daughters. He was a kind soul who was always willing to help a person or animal in need. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the gift of having known him, and we carry forward the lessons of love and connection, he so effortlessly taught us. His light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts, guiding us like the stars he so loved to gaze upon. May he rest in peace, forever at home in the beauty of the world he cherished.

Per Jerad’s wishes, he was cremated and a memorial service to honor his life is planned for later this year. Due to Jerad’s untimely passing, a GoFundMe has been established to help with his funeral expenses and for his daughters’ future schooling at: https://gofund.me/e24a42b3