Jerry Lee Simmons

Rochester, Jerry Lee Simmons, 76, of Rochester died Friday, August 1st at his home from pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born February 6, 1938 in Ottumwa, IA to Earle and Garnet (Michael) Simmons. He attended Aggasiz School in Ottumwa and later graduated from Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids on August 28, 1971. On June 24, 1961 Jerry married Linda Williams in Center Point, IA. Jerry and his family moved to Dover, MN in March of 1972, from Marian, IA. He worked for Trachsel Dental Studio in Rochester as a technician. Jerry began working for Crenlo in Rochester as a welder, retiring in April of 2003, following 24 years of employment. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching old westerns, playing cards and spending time with his family. Jerry was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles where he made many lifelong friendships through worship and bible study. Jerry always put his friends and family first and always lived life as the personification of honesty, chivalry, and loyalty maintaining the highest degree of reputation until his final breath. He is survived by his three children; Diane Simmons (John) Ajouri of Rochester, Timothy (Stephanie) Simmons of Winona and Beth Simmons of Minnetonka, five grandchildren; Nathaniel, Jessica and Benjamin Ajouri, Avery and Jacob Simmons, his aunt Frannie Michael of Ottumwa, IA, cousins: Tom (Marilyn) Michael of Selma, IA, Gloria (Joe) Ives of Blakesburg, IA and Linda (Laurel) Butler of Onalaska, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Mike Simmons of Cedar Rapids, IA and Jack Simmons of Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services will be 11AM Wednesday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Samuel Morsching officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Eyota. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Tuesday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. Please share a memory of Jerry with his family, view his video tribute and read his complete life story when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. The family would also like to say a special and heartfelt thank you to the staff at Seasons Hospice in Rochester for their help and support.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/513658k