Bruce Simmons

Bruce Simmons, 71, of Atlantic, passed away Wednesday, August 12, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

Bruce Howard Simmons was born on June 23, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Virgil Francis and Betty Jane (Reynolds) Simmons. He graduated from Central High School in 1962. Following graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 14 1/2 years, including two tours in Vietnam. Among his credits, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. He attained the rank of Captain, and received an Honorable Discharge in 1976. He then joined the United States Army Reserve, serving until retirement, effective January 1, 1988. He was locally employed at Camblin's Plumbing and Heating for several years and later SkyJack for five years. While working with Camblin's, he was especially proud to be part of the Camblin Team building the new hospital in Red Oak, Iowa.

Bruce was united in marriage to Patricia A. Rogers-Trexel, August 23, 1979, in a Lutheran Church in Sioux City, Iowa. For nearly 30 years, he and Patricia have cared for and mentored over 50 children as foster parents, beginning in 1986, and up to the present. Bruce treasured spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, flint knapping and genealogy. He was a member of the VFW, Honor Guard (for a short time) and MCA.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia Simmons of Atlantic; sons, Kenneth (Kumcha) Simmons, Mark (Sheri) Simmons, Matthew (Beth) Trexel, Nathan (Tara) Trexel, and Ethan Simmons; daughter, Kimberly (Todd) Cropley; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie Lee, Debra Thieman, Virginia Kidby and Mary Brown; brothers, David (Connie) Gibbs and Douglas (Pam) Simmons; and aunts, Marjorie Sullivan and Harriette Haussener.

He is preceded in death by his father, Virgil Simmons; mother, Betty Meggers; step-mom, Fern Simmons; sister, Kate Loos; and mother and father-in-law, Betty and Lloyd Nobbe.

A Celebration of Bruce's Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 17, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Ken Davidson officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Honors will be presented by the Atlantic Color Guard. Interment will take place at a later date in the Banner Township Cemetery, Lawton, Iowa.

Open visitation for signing of the guest book will be Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorials be made for the Atlantic Public Library.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bruce's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

BRUCE H. SIMMONS

BORN
June 23, 1944
Sioux City, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
71 years, 1 month, & 20 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
10:00 A.M.
Monday, august 17, 2015
Zion Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Ken Davidson

ORGANIST
Jody Rudolph

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“The Old Rugged Cross” by Jody Rudolph
“Eternal Father, Strong to save”
“Amazing Grace” by Congregation, #744

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Don Schlotzhauer
Marv Martens
Dave Krogh
Bob Sauser

IN CHARGE OF FLOWERS
Sherri Lebeck

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard
Flag Presented by Steve Livengood

Interment will take place at a later date in
the Banner Township Cemetery, Lawton, Iowa
* * *
The family invites you to join them for lunch in the
church fellowship hall following The service.

The family has suggested that memorials be made to
the Atlantic Public Library.