Wayne Simmons, 58, passed away Monday, December 25, 2006 at his home in rural Middle River, MN.

Memorial Services 11 AM, Friday, December 29, 2006 at United Lutheran Church, Gatzke, MN with Rev. Bob Dahlen officiating. Burial will be in Moose River Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-8 PM Thursday, December 28, 2006 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the service at the church, Friday.

Wayne Ronald Simmons was born May 16, 1948 in Roseau, MN to Ronald and Viola (Knutson) Simmons. He was baptized at Randeen Ridge Church, Gatzke, MN and confirmed at Bethlehem Church, Wannaska, MN. He attended elementary school in Gatzke, MN and graduated from Middle River High School in 1966.

He was united in marriage to Linda Hess, October 24, 1970 at Riverside Lutheran, Wannaska, MN. Wayne worked at Springsteel Resort in Warroad for his aunt and uncle, Bud & Gloria Swanson as a teenager. He started at Polaris in July of 1966 and retired in April of 2006 due to health issues. The last 8 years was spent as a mold repair technician in Polaris plastic molding facility.

Wayne loved farming, fishing and hunting. He loved to watch his crops grow and harvest what the land gave him. He also had a passion for working with wood and making things for those he loved. He donated several items to the Relay for Life projects. He also had a degree in small engine repair.

Wayne treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He also served United Lutheran Church in Gatzke as a council member.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda, Middle River, MN; 3 children: Lisa Mae (Thomas) LeClaire, Thief River Falls, MN; Jason Wayne (Jennifer) Simmons, Montrose, MN; William Earl (Emily) Simmons, Virginia Beach, VA; 5 grandchildren: Spencer Lee Simmons, Jestina Sophia LeClaire, Taylor Shea Simmons, Lilian Ione Simmons, Abigail Frances Simmons, his parents, Ronald and Viola Simmons, Roseau, MN, 4 brothers: Wesley (Colleen) Simmons, Warroad, MN; Wallace Simmons, Roseau, MN; Warren (special friend Michelle) Simmons, Buffalo, MN; Willard (Mary) Simmons, Zimmerman, MN; 3 sisters: Karen (Merle) Lorenson, Strathcona, MN; Karyl (Ardell) Nelson, Wannaska, MN; Kay (Dwight) Lane, Barnesville, MN.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Carl & Hattie Knutson, Ray & Bessie Simmons, nephew Paul Lorenson, cousin Scott Simmons.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Millie Prachar
SPECIAL MUSIC: Vernon Lorenson The Lords Prayer
SPECIAL MUSIC: MaryAnn Lunsetter Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry, WOV#770 Blessed Assurance WOV #699
POEM READING AND WRITING: Howard Lunsetter