David L. Simmons lived a life marked by dedication, service, and a passion for tinkering and how things work. A dedicated husband, father, grandpa, scout leader, community member, and many other roles. He was born on July 30, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, to Donald Sr. and Josephine Simmons, and passed away due to cancer on April 18, 2024.

On August 17, 1974, Dave married his soulmate, Janel Goeden, at St Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena, MN. Together, they raised a loving family of four children: Brian, Anne, Eric, and Greg.

Dave's journey was one of perseverance. A graduate of Wadena High School in 1970, he pursued higher education at several colleges including Duluth Tech for Architectural Drafting & Design and later to the U of M''s Architectural program. However, his path took a turn when he joined the army in 1978, serving as a legal clerk in GA USA and Germany.

Dave ultimately returned to his first love, mechanical work and his career was as diverse as his interests. He worked on a variety of vehicles, from cars & trucks to RV's & buses. His leadership skills shone as he moved into management roles, including RV & Truck service manager and Fleet services manager. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own an auto parts store, and he concluded his career at GE Capital Fleet Services Truck Division as an office manager. There, his "Dr. Dave" tips were a highlight, and he received a patent for developing a program to manage nationwide truck breakdowns.

A man of faith and community, Dave was a member of the Knights of Columbus and drove the senior church bus for 15 years. An Eagle Scout himself, he was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts, guiding three sons to Eagle Scout, and earning recognition as an Outstanding Committee Chair. His wit and dry sense of humor were matched only by his resilience; Dave beat cancer seven times, with a bone marrow transplant in 2003 that, while curing him, signaled an early retirement from his career. He was forever grateful to his brother Dan for the life-saving stem cells.

Dave was always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was car repair, installing a furnace or AC, teaching his "checkbook" balancing class, or sharing his wisdom with the phrase, "Use the right tool for the job." He found joy and friendship in the company of his weekly "coffee friends".

A man of many talents, Dave was a MENSA member, a crossword puzzle and cryptoquip expert. His hobbies were as varied as his career, visiting state and national parks, camping, photography, fishing, boating, hunting, woodworking, and home remodeling. His love for travel took him on road trips across all 50 states and 27 countries. Many of these were in his MG and later a Corvette. He cherished time spent at the cabin, especially with his grandchildren, and took pride in his family, leaving behind a legacy of love and pride in his four children and ten grandchildren.

Dave's life was one of impact and inspiration, and he is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Janel, his children Brian (Andrea), Anne (Drew), Eric, Greg (Kami), grandchildren Adelaide, Clara, Wesley, Lauren, Logan, Jack, Emily, Bridget, Hali, Hugo, siblings Don, Dan (Teri) Simmons, Diana (Doug) Anderson. Brothers-in-law Mark (Linda), Lyle (Cindy), Dewey (Marion), Kevin (Gail), Phil (Kari) Goeden. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Preceded in death by his parents Don and Josephine Simmons, in laws Joseph and Lorraine Goeden, sisters-in-law Annette Goeden & Karen Simmons, brother-in-law Jerry Goeden. Dave is leaving behind a legacy of resilience, humor, and a life well-lived. "Life goes on," he would say, and so does the memory of a man who truly made the most of every moment.

Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.

An evening visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 24 from 5-8pm, and a Rosary conducted by the Knights of Columbus at 7:30pm, at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay St. NW. in Andover. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day, on Thursday, April 25 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street in Anoka at 11am, with a visitation one hour prior.