Theodore R. “Ted” Simons

Simons, Theodore R. (Ted), Sr. passed away at St. Mary's Hospital with his family at his side on Tuesday, March 20^, 2018 at the age of 79.  Ted wrote this a number of years ago stating, “As I finish this chapter of my life and go on to the next, I want all my family and friends to know how fortunate I am to have had my wife, Gerri, by my side for over 53 years. During this time we have been able to share our lives with our children Ted, Jr. and Darla Simons, Shawn Simons and Sally Simons, and Scott Simons; our grandchildren, Melanie Simons and Brett Simons; and our great grandsons, Gibson and Sawyer Harvey and their father, Dave Harvey. Each of you have brought countless moments of love, laughter and joy into my life. Others I loved were my brother-in-law and best friend from childhood, Larry Bowhuis and his wife MaryAnn (both deceased). I was also preceded in death by my sister-in-law, Barb Glenboski and her husband, Kiki, and nephew, Geoff Beulow. Other in-laws I loved are Linda and Bill Carlon, Pat and Charlie Steen, Mary and Ed Ochalek, and Bernie and Karen Bowhuis. In 1979 I found my biological mother and siblings and have had a close relationship with my sister, Doris Schrader and her husband, Bill (deceased) and my brother, Jerry Yeland. My other biological sisters are Jean McConnell, Shirley and Don Jamison, Charlene and Keith Holiday, and Ruthie Scott. I also leave behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. My hobbies were reading, especially anything to do with history, attending Whitecaps games and following the Detroit Tigers. As a member of Bishop Plagens’ Council of the Knights of Columbus, I served as Grand Knight and other offices and for more than 6 years was Chief Counselor for the Squires. I was also a member of the Bishop Edward B. Kelly Assembly of the Fourth Degree and of the Assembly Color Corp. Other enjoyments included being a part of the Whitecaps Host-A-Cap for 7 ball seasons and at one time riding my bike from our home in Wyoming to Mackinaw City. I graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1957 and later GVSC. I also served in the Army from 1962 to 1964.”  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4101 Clyde Park SW with Fr. Steve Geerling and Fr. Larry King. presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends can meet the family on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, with a vigil service at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the St. John Vianney Foundation or the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.