top of page
Search

Michael David Simmons

Michael David Simmons passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was born on August 12, 1939, to Charles and Alice Simmons in Chicago, IL, where he spent most of his childhood. An avid White Sox fan, Mike worked at Comiskey Park as a young boy, attended Mount Carmel High School and was accepted into West Point Military Academy, where he graduated in 1963.


It was this year that he met and married the love of his life, Sandra Rose Collins. He proudly served his country, and his military service took his young family all over the world. Mike served in Vietnam and ended his military career as a Captain in the 82nd Airborne division, where he earned several distinguished honors including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Over the next 22 years, Mike worked in the liquor industry for Heublein Inc. where he became Vice President of Sales and then went on to consult for several industry distributors.

Mike and Sandy moved 27 times during their 60 years together and raised a beautiful family that they are incredibly proud of. They have enjoyed spending time with their friends, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.


Mike was preceded in death by his parents (Chuck and Alice Simmons) and siblings (Charles Louis II and Carol Riceman). He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years (Sandy), daughters Suzanne (John) Barry and Kimberly (Mike) Fink, and sons Chuck (Amy) Simmons and Stephen Simmons, along with his brother-in-law John (Paulette) Riceman and loving nieces and nephews.


He is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Samantha, Alexa, Jim, Jack, Michael, Kelly, Michael, Annie, Mary, Canyon, Brecken, Jaythen, Courtney, Kyle, David and Ashley and also 5 great-grandchildren: Marlo, Ella, Madden, Paisley and Sawyer.


Mike and Sandy spent their happiest years on "Golden Pond" in Gordon, Wisconsin with their beloved black lab, Zeus, hosting their kids and grandkids, golfing, watching football and enjoying lake life in the northwoods.


A service will be held in Mike's honor on Friday, September 22 at 9:30 am at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA., and a reception will follow at 11:00 am in the Grand Lounge at Grand Living, 540 51st St in West Des Moines, IA.

In lieu of flowers and in gratitude for their extraordinary care and compassion, the family requests a donation to the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, 3600 30th St. Des Moines, IA 50310.



bottom of page