Mike Simons
January 15, 1983 ~ November 12, 2015
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
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Michael Simons, 32, of St. Lawrence, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 16, 2015 at the Miller Armory with Father Chester Murtha and Captain Father Bob Lacey, celebrants. Lunch followed at the Miller Community Center. Burial was held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2015 at the Morningside Cemetery, Ree Heights with full military honors. Visitation was held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2015 with a 4:00 p.m. prayer service at the St. Lawrence Community Church with Pastor Scot Tutt officiating.
Michael Dale Simons was born in Miller, SD, on January 15, 1983, to Dale and Lorelei (Heida) Simons. He grew up on the farm northeast of Miller and most of his early years were spent outdoors exploring with his sister, Anna, and playing with cousins Monica and Melanie. A large portion of his time was probably spent hanging upside down from a green gate while dad fed the cows.
He graduated from Miller High School in 2001, where he stood out as an athletic, kind, artistic young man. He excelled in football, wrestling, track, music, and drawing – however, all Mike ever really wanted to be was a soldier. Following in his grandfather and father’s steps, he enlisted in the Army National Guard unit in Miller, SD, his junior year of high school. He, along with his uncle Dean and great-uncle Myron, was activated at the beginning of the Iraq war and mobilized to Ft. Campbell, KY, February to May 2003, and later deployed to Iraq from December 2003 to February 2005. He later deployed again, with his uncle, to Iraq at the close of the war, from June 2011 to June 2012. Between these deployments you could find him building homes alongside his uncle Duane, and traveling, hiking, and camping with friends and family. He was proud to be present at his sister’s graduation from basic training in 2009.
Mike picked up playing the guitar during his time overseas and was quite talented and entertaining. However, his military service took a severe mental and physical toll on his body, and returning to civilian life proved difficult for him, most notably after his last deployment. His family is grateful that the last few weeks of his life he was very well, and was able to personally connect with many of the people he cared about. We do not know the exact moment he left us, but we were able to say our goodbyes on Veteran’s Day, which is only too appropriate. Surrounded by his biological and military families alike, Mikey was drafted into God’s Army shortly after midnight, on November 12th, 2015. As he requested, his body will be laid to rest in Ree Heights, next to his brother in arms, Alex.
Awaiting him in heaven were his great-grandparents, Bernard and Berniece Simons; grandfather, Gerrit Heida; uncle, Randy Evans; and his older sibling that he never got to know here in this life.
He will be missed by every single person that was blessed to know him. Our soldier finally gets to come home from the war.
We ask that any memorial be given in one of the following ways: Michael’s classmates have set up a “Go Fund Me” donation site in his memory, if you would like to donate and support NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of SD please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/fea2kc4c# or the The PTSD Support Group in Miller has an account set up at American Bank & Trust, Miller, SD. Please memo donations "In memory of Mike Simons".
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mike’s arrangements.
A Visitation was held on November 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM at St. Lawrence Community Church, 815 3rd St NW in St. Lawrence, South Dakota 57373
A Prayer Service was held on November 15, 2015 at 4:00 PM at St. Lawrence Community Church, 815 3rd St NW in St. Lawrence, South Dakota 57373
A Funeral Service was held on November 16, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Miller Armory, 623 East 4th St. in Miller, South Dakota 57362
A Graveside Service was held on November 16, 2015 at 3:00 PM at Morningside Cemetery in Ree Heights, South Dakota
A Luncheon was held on November 16, 2015 at 11:45 AM at Miller Community Center, 526 North Broadway Avenue in Miller, South Dakota 57362
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I am here today a soldier I know some don’t understand I will try to explain So maybe you can I served my country Both near and far I stood proud and tall The soldier still here I put on the uniform I wore it to foreign lands The solider I was Is still in the man I have been a son, brother, and friend To some of you here But I’ve been a soldier all along And did so without fear My final salute I render today I’m still a soldier I’m just on my way
I was very shocked to here about Micheal! What a tragic loss of a life so short. I have no idea of how you cope at a time like this. God be with you. Dave Simon
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, all of us mourn the loss of a great soldier! God bless!
Love, prayers and tears for your family.
Mike will always remain within our hearts, and we have included you and your family in our daily prayers. May God give you strength.
Mike will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family. You have always been a big part of my life and I consider you all part of my family.
My deepest sympathies to the Simons Family
My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you in the loss of your precious son. There are no words to convey how very sorry and heartbroken I feel for your loss. My heart, my love, my hugs & my prayers all go out to you in this, your time of sorrow. He is a true hero and he is in the hands of his Lord now. Knowing we will see him again is what we have to hold on to. God bless and keep you close.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Mike Simons.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family, community, and Mike’s military buddies. Karen and I will continue to lift up the family in our daily prayers.
Our heartfelt condolences
Our love and prayers are with you. The Odegard Family
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with all of you at this very sad and difficult time. May God be with you and comfort you.
Sending our heartfelt sympathy & prayers!
So so sorry for your loss, we will be keeping you skill in our prayers. Mike and Kelly
You are all in my thoughts and prayers . May God wrap his loving arms around all of you.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to the happy memories. No one can take them away from you. May God bless all of you as you go thru this journey.
Your time came too soon Mike, but then God only takes the best. Prayers going up for your family, friends, and Nation Guard Unit. You will never be forgotten. Give Bill my love when you see him, he so respected you, you were a real warrior. With Love, Chris Jones
All our love and prayers are with your family. Our hearts are breaking for your family. Mikey was an amazing friend and was loved so much! His memory will always be with us! We cherish every memory we have of him. Please know you have our condolences. We love you Mikey and will NEVER forget you! Josh, Julie, Jordan and Jayden Erfman
Dear Simon Family, Your Black Mountain Family is heartbroken for your loss of Mike. We remember him fondly. Hang in there. Love Nowell and the rest of the gang
Deepest Sympathy To The Entire Family. Take Care. God Bless.
I am so very sorry for your loss! Your son sounds like he was a great young man! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Keep your wonderful memories close to your heart!
If only we could see what God sees, and know what God knows… But, just as He desires us for our own good, he also wants to strengthen and comfort us. May you find peace in His love. Our deepest condolences to Mike’s family and friends.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear son and brother, Mike. I can say that I do know what you are going through, but have no good advice other than have Faith and Trust in the Lord. Where there is deep sorrow, there is deep love. I’m told that the sorrow will fade, but the love will always remain. Praying for you all.
Our love and prayers go out to your whole family. May God minister to each one of you.
Our prayers and deepest sympathy for the family of Mike Simons. May God comfort you all.
So sorry to hear of your loss Prayers sent your way as you go thru this difficult time Dave Kolb Aberdeen
So very sorry to hear of the death of this young man. My deepest sympathy to his family and all who knew and loved him. He left much too soon. Sincerely, Norma Patterson
We are sorry for the loss of a very kind and loving son, brother and soldier. You have found the peace in the loving arms of our loving Lord and have taken your place among the angels that watch over all of us. Know that we will miss you and that we will cherish your memory. RIP and know that you are loved.
We are very sorry for your loss and our condolences to all. The pain of death can be overwhelming no matter what the age. The Bible provides comfort during difficult times. We are promised at 1 Corinthians 15:26 that very soon "death will be brought to nothing." Then we have the prospect of being reunited with our loved ones right here on earth. – Psalm 37:10, 11. We hope this brings you comfort and hope.
Dale and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you all. Jenell Feller -daughter of Doc and Nancy Beaner.
Dale and Lorielie, so sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers are surrounding you during these difficult days ahead! Blessings!
Dale, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I never had the honor of meeting your son but I know he was a fine man and soldier.
i am so sorry for your loss. these things just are not spose to happen to our children. prayers are with the family and friends.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Mike’s family and friends. Our son, Eric (Tiny), roomed with Mike in Brookings while attending SDSU. Rest in peace, Mike. You can leave the war behind you now.
I did not know Michael. I have a son that is 32 and left the army after a 9 year career due to physical disabilities. It has been 1 year since he has been out and he has many struggles mentally. I am very concerned. My HEART goes out to you all! May God fill your hearts with PEACE & LOVE!!! Sharon
I’m so sorry for your loss. My sympathy to the Simons family.
May the strength, support and prayers of Family & Friends help you find comfort in this overwhelming loss of your precious Son, a brave young Hero. So much to sacrifice, yet so much to be proud of. May God Bless you and bring you Peace. With heartfelt sympathy & respect, Gwen Galvin
Thank you for son’s service to our country…sorry for your loss and sacrifice. May he find peace.
Dale, Lorelei and Anna-I really didn’t know Mike or all of you that well but my husband Brad went to Wyoming Tech with Doug. We were there for Doug and Kari’s wedding in 1983 and also got to know Diann and others of you from our trip in 2002. I’m so sad for your loss and feel the pain of those who’ve struggled to get back to the norm with civilian life. I cannot imagine what they’ve endured. I’m sure he’s at peace and he gave so much to the rest of us. Thank you Mike! Hugs and prayers to the Simons family from Vermont
For our fallen brother and to the family and friends of Michael Simmons, We send our deepest condolences and our earnest thanks for the life and commitment of our brother in arms. It is no small thing to take the oath, as Michael did, to support and defend our country and our constitution and we hope that all who knew and loved him are proud of that decision. From half the world away, and from all the places that service men and women ready themselves to fight: we thank Michael for his life and his honor while we wish you, his family, comfort, clarity, and relief during this most difficult time. From the Soldiers and families of Bravo Battery.
Go in peace brother see you on the other side
Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace. Prayers for strength, comfort and peace are with your family.
To the family’s of Mike Simons, With Deepest Sympathy, On the loss of your Loved One, A smile, a touch, a gentle laugh remembered, a voice softly whispered in the wind—May the memories held deep within your heart help to soothe your spirit at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers to wonderful family. Rest in peace Mike…
It’s not often I’m at a loss for words. Mikey, may you find the peace you were looking for. There was never a person that met you that didn’t like you. We’re praying that God will provide comfort to your family knowing you’re in a better place and no longer in pain. Farewell brother… you will be missed.
We send our deep sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your dear son, Mike. With each new day may God give the needed strength (Ps.34:18) to cope with such a sad loss. He touched the lives of others and will be sadly missed.
Dear family and friends, Please accept our sincere sympathies on the loss of your dear loved one, Mike. On behalf of all of our volunteers across South Dakota, please know that NAMI is here to support you and anyone struggling with mental illness and their families and friends. We remain concerned for all of our service members and veterans, and pledge our assistance through education and local support groups. Though we were not privileged to know this young man, we deeply appreciate his service, and we grieve with you. Contact us anytime if you need to talk or wish our help with anything.