Simon R. Litke 12/27/1984-11/2/2015 Delano- Simon R Litke, age 30, passed away unexpectedly on Monday. Simon is survived by so many including his mother Nicki Peterson (Ken), father Robert Litke (Barb), brother Evan Litke ( Nikki), sister Kate Boman (Evan) & nephew Connor, stepbrother Garrett, maternal grandmother Jeanne (Gary) Cannady and aunt Stacey Cannady. Simon is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom in which he completed two tours with Echo Company, Second Battalion Fourth Marines. In 2004 Simon & the rest of Echo Company, nicknamed “The Magnificent Bastards” were deployed to Ramadi Iraq where he was a rifleman, team and squad leader during some of the fiercest fighting of the war occurred. He was deployed again to Iraq in 2006 where he served until 2007 when he was honorably discharged. He was born in Minneapolis, but spent much of his childhood in Saskatchewan, Canada. When he & his family return to Minnesota they re-established roots in Delano where he graduated from high school in 2003. He joined the Marines straight out of school and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California for his 4 year commitment. Once his service was up, he once again moved back to MN which became his permanent home. Over the next 8 years, he pursued many different career paths before settling on welding, made the Dean’s list and was to graduate in December from Dunwoody Institute. While Simon’s life may have been spent sprinkled across the world, there was one thing that remained consistent where ever he went; From his smile, which could captivate and charm any and every one he shared it with to his infectious laugh, he always had so much love for family, friends and Marine brothers. He was always wanting and willing to help those he loved. He exhibited this selflessness even in the end, as an organ donor. His Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion in Delano on November 13, 2015 from 4-8 PM.