Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

 

SIMMERMEYER

Burks

Dailey

Ertel

Etter

Hansen

Ransom

Sawoscinski

Simkins

Sparks

Voegele

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – June 23, 2002

 

Leo J. Simmermeyer

February 21, 1931 – June 21, 2002

 

SOUTH BEND – Leo John Simmermeyer, 71 years old, residing on Sable Ridge Drive, South Bend, passed away at 12:45am on Friday, June 21, 2002, at the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. 

 

Mr. Simmermeyer was born on February 21, 1931, in Franklin Co IN, to the late Otto C. and Marie (Etter) Simmermeyer.  He has lived in our local area since 1949, moving from Batesville IN.  On June 30, 1956, in Morris IN, he married the former Ruth Voegele, who survives.

 

Along with his wife of 46 years, Ruth, survivors include three daughters, Karen (Scott) Hansen of Granger, Kim (Marty) Dailey of South Bend and Karla (Rudy) Sawoscinski of South Bend; five grandchildren, Jennifer Dailey, Jason Simkins, Nicole Dailey, Kristina Simkins and Michael Dailey; two step grandchildren, Heather Hansen and Stephanie Hansen; two sister, Mary (Cliff) Burks of Lafayette IN, and Gussie (Butch) Ertel of South Bend; and one brother, Robert Simmermeyer of Batesville IN.  Mr. Simmermeyer also had a very best friend whom he treated like a son, Tom Liddell.  Two sisters, Theresa Sparks and Esther Ransom and three brothers, James, Thomas and Michael Simmermeyer, all preceded him in death.

 

Mr. Simmermeyer worked at Studebaker Corporation for 19 years and retired on March 31, 1997, from the Human Resource Department for Allied Products Corporation after 28 years.

 

He was a member of St. Anthony dePadua Catholic Church where he was a member of the choir forever.  He was also a member of the Studebaker Male Chorus.  Over the years he was involved in many community organizations including K of C, United Way, St Joseph County Scholarship Foundation and the “Romeo” Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out).  Mr. Simmermeyer served his country with the US Army.

 

A funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Monday, June 24, 2002, at St Anthony dePadua Catholic Church, Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

 

Friends may visit with the family from 4-8pm today, June 23rd, at the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, and one hour prior to services in the church on Monday.  A Rosary service will be given at 7:30pm today at the funeral home.

 

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Raman Mitra and Mary Helen, as well as all of the caring people of the Cardiac Care Unit of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

 

Contributions in memory of Leo John Simmermeyer may be donated to the American Heart Association, 2410 Grape Road, Mishawaka IN 46545; or to St Anthony’s, 2120 E. Jefferson, South Bend IN 46617.

 

God’s Garden

God looked around His garden, and found an empty place.

He then looked upon this earth, and saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you, and lifted you to rest;

God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering. 

He knew that you were in pain

He knew that you would never get well on earth again.

So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone;

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.