Obituary: John Henry Simmons

John Henry Simmons, age 92, died in his sleep Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, 2025, with family at his side. He had been recovering at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna following a recent fall and subsequent surgery.  

John was born on Aug. 24, 1932, in Iowa, son of the late Ralph and Inez (Helmick) Simmons. After graduating as valedictorian of Packwood High School at age 16, he worked on the family farm until he entered the Army in 1952. He was slated for officer training school and served until June 1953 (during the Korean War), when he was discharged early due to the failing health of his father, who died in January 1954.

On April 10, 1954, he married Virginia Warren, who preceded him in death on Dec. 11, 2018. Together they had six children. During that time, John worked in various capacities for farm equipment dealers and manufacturers, including International Harvester. His work in Gary, IN, with Saunders Truck Leasing brought the family to Brillion, WI, in 1974, where he served as a branch and regional manager for Saunders. His final work was as an owner/operator and partner in Simmons Powell Leasing.   

Throughout the years, John enjoyed golfing, reading, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, biking, riding motorcycles and caring for the family dogs, most recently Molly, a miniature golden retriever. For a short time, he also enjoyed flying as a private pilot, sometimes with Virginia helping navigate.

After they both retired, John and Virginia spent time traveling in RVs and wintered in Florida for many years. Most recently, John resided at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, where he developed an additional new community of friends. 

John’s legacy includes six children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, including one born days after his death.

                He is survived by his children: Julia (Al) Onstad in Harwich, MA; Kathryn Simmons in Glen Ellyn, IL; Steve (Kim) Simmons in Brillion, WI; Linda Simmons in Prescott, AZ; Mark (Barbara) Simmons in Palmyra, TN; Rebecca (Tim) Douglas in Rockford, IL. Grandchildren are Emily (Luke) Laga, Nicholas (Kate) Simmons, Jaclyn (Jason) Keller, Brittney (Mike) Horn, Erin (Danny) Cook, Sarah (James) Jackson, Shane Flynn, John Warren Simmons, Elise (Eric) Crocker and Jill & Elizabeth Nelson. Great-grandchildren are Spencer Laga, Jack & Gwyneth Simmons, Lauren & Ella Kuchenbecker, Griffin & Delaney Keller, Molly Jo & Willis Horn, Braeden & Caroline Cook, Eleanor & Oliver Jackson and newborn Ryker Brady Flynn. John is also survived by his sister Susan (Richard) Buchman in Mission, TX; brother-in-law Bill Hipp in Packwood, IA; and nieces and nephews throughout the U.S.

According to John’s wishes, there will not be a public funeral. The family will have a private gathering.

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family.