Robert Edward Simmons
Robert Edward Simmons, 87, died Sunday, October 22, 2023, at his home in Willmar. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and his memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, October 27th at Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery at Morton. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org
Bob was born March 19,1936, to Joseph and Beatrice (McFarland) Simmons on a Century Farm in Birch Cooley Township in Renville County. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Morton. He attended school in Morton where he graduated in 1954. After high school, Bob attended St. John’s University. He was a farmer, self-employed carpenter and owned and operated a sawmill on the family farm and later was a Federal Crop Insurance agent.
On November 23, 1957, Bob was united in marriage to Geraldine Tisdell at St. John’s Catholic Church in Morton. They lived in Morton until moving to Redwood Falls in 1980. They continued living in Redwood until moving to Willmar in 1988.
Bob was true to himself and others throughout his life. Always curious and full of knowledge and insight made him an inspiration for those around him. Reflecting his love for nature, Bob found solace enjoying the simple pleasures of fishing and hunting for morel mushrooms in the woods on the family farm. His ingenuity, steadfast commitment to his faith and selfless acts of service and wise counsel he offered quietly, touched countless people. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and cherished brother, uncle and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Geri and his five children: Anne (Jeff) Peltier of Pelican Rapids, Bill (Ann Ruhland) Simmons of Green Isle, Patrick (Karen Brandt) Simmons of Edina, Karen (Durkin) Guthrie of Los Angeles, CA; Margaret (Mark) Remillard of St. Paul; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Rebecca (Logan) Vold and their children, Alexander and Joseph, Andrew (Katie Ziebell) Simmons and their children, Emily and Elizabeth, Tony (Elise Frieder) Simmons, Jake Simmons, Caitlin Simmons and Liam Guthrie. He is also survived by his siblings, Helen (Gordon) Johnson of Lacrosse, WI; Mary (Dick) Wohnoutka of Spicer; Jim (Gail) Simmons of Franklin; Monica Wohlin of New London and Mike Simmons of St. Paul; sisters-in-law, Jackie Simmons, Mary Simmons and Mary Jacoby.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Tom, Ed, Ellie, Peter, Ann and John and sister-in-law, Rita Simmons and brothers-in-law, Randy Wohlin and Tony Poss.
Blessed be his memory.
