Rev. David C. Simmons

Rev. David C. Simmons, age 78, of Gladstone, passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 at his home on Lake Bluff with his wife, Mary, by his side. He was born on July 2, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Bert and Dortha (Kober) Simmons. David was raised in Dubuque, IA and graduated from Dubuque High School in 1960. He went on to further his education at the University of Iowa where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. David married the former Mary Rose Krasean on September 24, 1966 in Indianapolis, IN. Together, the couple shared 53 years of marriage and raised two sons, Jeffrey and Matthew. David worked for the Chatfield Paper Company (a division of Mead Paper Company) and was transferred to various locations including; Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA. He then worked for Butler Paper Company in Kansas City, MO for a few years. In 1985, David and Mary relocated in Escanaba where he was employed by Andex Industries as the Director of Marketing until his retirement in 2005. While he was working, he had a passion to become an Episcopal priest, and was ordained on February 21, 1993. David loved reading, traveling, visiting his family, and meeting new friends. He also enjoyed wine tasting and partaking in a fine glass of wine. He was a member of the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba and also the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. David was strong in his faith as a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. As his illness progressed, one day he said, “I don’t know what is next, but I am not afraid.” David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Rev. David C. Simmons is survived by his loving wife, Mary Simmons of Gladstone; two sons, Jeffrey (Janet) Simmons of Seattle, WA, and Matthew (Abby) Simmons of Seattle, WA; two grandchildren, Mary Simmons, and Ashton Simmons; one sister, Nancy (Nick) Shumansky of Burnsville, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by one nephew, Stephen Shumansky.

Visitation and funeral services are being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Ogden Ave., Escanaba, MI 49829, or a charity of one’s choice. 

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