Samuel J. Simmons
1952 — 2014
Samuel J. Simmons, 61 of rural Oakdale, NE, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, following a brief illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, May 5, 2014 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin, with Rev. Ross Burkhalter officiating.
Interment followed in the Oakdale Cemetery at Oakdale, NE. Huffman-Levander Funeral Home of Elgin, NE was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com
*****
Samuel John Simmons, son of John W. and Mildred A. (Goscha) Simmons, was born July 25, 1952 at Tilden, NE. He grew up southeast of Elgin, NE attending rural school until the second grade, Oakdale Public School through the eighth grade and graduated from Tilden High School. He studied mechanics at Northeast Technical College in Norfolk, before returning home to farm with his father.
On July 10, 1971, Sam married Angela J. Zurcher at Neligh, NE. They made their home southeast of Elgin, where they farmed and raised their four children: Clinton, Cody, Casee, and Colson.
Along with farming, Sam was the treasurer for the Rural Road Board.
Sam had a love for farming. He was very meticulous and took a lot of pride in his work. When he wasn’t farming, he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren’s activities, hunting with his sons, golfing, watching golf and NASCAR on Sundays, playing cards and he was always interested in learning about history.
For 20 plus years, he enjoyed the annual golf trip to Phoenix with his buddies.
In more recent years, Sam had enjoyed taking car trips with Ann and their friends across the country, visiting different states, attractions and other friends. He had a sense of adventure and liked trying new foods and different restaurants. Sam was blessed with the gift of conversation, and seemed to make new friends everywhere he went.
He is survived by his wife Ann of rural Oakdale; four children: Clint (Michele) Simmons of Grand Island; Cody (Kelly) Simmons of Alma; Casee (Ryan) Kittelson of Neligh; Colson Simmons and fiancé Ally Butera of San Antonio, TX; seven grandchildren: Christopher Simmons of Alma; Addison, Isaac and Graclyn Simmons of Grand Island; Myles, Bentley, and Camry Kittelson of Neligh; one sister: Sally (Verlyn) Louison of Crescent, IA; three sisters-in-law: Lynn Zurcher of Meadow Grove; Lori (Mike) Herbolsheimer of Tilden; Pam (Jan) Robertson of Lincoln; one brother-in-law: Kerry Barnhardt of Norfolk; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one sister: Sandra Barnhart; and one brother-in-law: Ronn Zurcher.
