December 30, 1935 ~ January 9, 2016
Raymond Frank Simmer, 80, of Essexville, our hardworking, loving, and ambitious husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the morning of Saturday, January 9, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region with his wife and daughter by his side. Ray was born in Isabella County on December 30, 1935, the son of the late Henry and Helen (Wagner) Simmer. While on a blind date in 1959, he met a lady by the name of Marie McInerney. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 22, 1964. Known for his excellent work ethic, Ray retired after twenty-five years from the maintenance department of General Motors. Throughout life, he was a very spiritual man and a devout Catholic. His family was the light of his life, and Ray loved attending all of his grandchildren’s events. He was the most loving and amazing papa, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ray leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of fifty-one years, Marie and their daughter, Kimberly Rae (Tod) Lanham. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Andrew and Anna Lanham, Joey and Maya Dvonch, and their father, Dr. Tim Dvonch; sister, Ruth Cook; in-laws, Dorothy Ferrer of Houston, Texas and Sally (Bud) Bailey of Canton, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ray was welcomed home to heaven by his daughter, Dr. Lynn Simmer-Dvonch; siblings, Doris Hedley, Rose Kranz, and Paul Simmer, and his in-laws, Marge Lopez Hayes, Charles and Joe McInerney, and David Ferrer. Cremation has taken place and Ray’s family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 9:00 AM until the time of his 10:00 AM Memorial Liturgy at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), 614 Pine St., Essexville. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with the Rite of Committal to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. Immediately following the committal ceremony, a Celebration of Life Reception & Cocktail Hour will be held in The Wesley Room at Skorupski’s. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. The entire Simmer family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caring nurses at McLaren CCU, especially Frannie, Heath, and Jeni for their compassionate care. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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Raymond Frank Simmer, 80, of Essexville, our hardworking, loving, and ambitious husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the morning of Saturday, January 9, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region with his wife and daughter by his side. Ray was born in Isabella County on December 30, 1935, the son of the late Henry and Helen (Wagner) Simmer. While on a blind date in 1959, he met a lady by the name of Marie McInerney. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 22, 1964. Known for his excellent work ethic, Ray retired after twenty-five years from the maintenance department of General Motors. Throughout life, he was a very spiritual man and a devout Catholic. His family was the light of his life, and Ray loved attending all of his grandchildren's events. He was the most loving and amazing papa, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ray leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of fifty-one years, Marie and their daughter, Kimberly Rae (Tod) Lanham. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Andrew and Anna Lanham, Joey and Maya Dvonch, and their father, Dr. Tim Dvonch; sister, Ruth Cook; in-laws, Dorothy Ferrer of Houston, Texas and Sally (Bud) Bailey of Canton, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ray was welcomed home to heaven by his daughter, Dr. Lynn Simmer-Dvonch; siblings, Doris Hedley, Rose Kranz, and Paul Simmer, and his in-laws, Marge Lopez Hayes, Charles and Joe McInerney, and David Ferrer. Cremation has taken place and Ray's family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 9:00 AM until the time of his 10:00 AM Memorial Liturgy at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), 614 Pine St., Essexville. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with the Rite of Committal to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. Immediately following the committal ceremony, a Celebration of Life Reception & Cocktail Hour will be held in The Wesley Room at Skorupski's. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. The entire Simmer family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caring nurses at McLaren CCU, especially Frannie, Heath, and Jeni for their compassionate care. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
Guestbook
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So sorry for your loss. The Simmer family stands out in my memory as one of the nicest group of people. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire Simmer Family. Sincerely, Sherry Skrocki-Anthony
So sorry to read about the loss of Raymond today. Although it has been a long time since we have seen each other, our friendship has never ceased. I remember all the good times we had in school and the joy in you when you married Ray.
Mary Slowinski Depew
So sorry for your family’s loss. I will always remember how kind and caring Ray was. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Amy Hill