Loren Simons

Loren P. Simons, 61, of Alcester and formerly of Miller, SD, passed Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Morningside Care Center in Alcester.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 10, 2011 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant.  Burial followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Wessington with military honors.  A rosary service was held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Loren Paul was born September 22, 1950 to Arnold and Hazel (Haigh) Simons in Miller, South Dakota; he was the fourth of eight children.  He attended school in rural Hand County, Miller Elementary and graduated from Miller High School.  On September 17, 1970, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on March 17, 1972.  Loren then went to work for the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Playing pool, car races, trap shooting and country music were some of his favorite past times.  Loren was a member of the VFW.

Grateful to have shared in his life is his mother, Hazel Simons of Miller; siblings: Lloyd (Joan) Simons of Pierre, Rita (Mike) Beaner of Miller, Vera (Dennis) Blachford of Blue Springs, MO, Ruth (James) Waddell of Kearney, MO, Verna Cleaver of Lincoln, NE, Gale (Mike) Poole of Atlanta, GA, and Gloria (Mark) Rowen of Sioux Falls; aunt, Zola Haigh of Des Moines, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; aunts and uncles and a niece.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Loren’s arrangements.