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Charles Simmons Obituary – 3/6/2013


Charles “Charlie” Richard Simmons, age 74, of Darwin, died Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at his home.

He was born Aug. 26, 1938, in Meeker County, the son of Clarence and Francis (Risch) Simmons. Charlie was baptized as an infant, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s German Lutheran Church in Litchfield,.

He received his education in Litchfield, and was a graduate of the Litchfield High School class of 1957.

Charlie entered active military service in the United States Navy in 1957, and served his country during peace time. He received an honorable discharge Jan. 9, 1963.

Charlie was united in marriage to Elfreda “Fritz” Kortz Oct. 26, 1963, at All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin. Charlie and Fritz resided in the Litchfield and Darwin area, and shared 49 years of marriage.

Charlie was employed at Porta-Dock in Dassel as a welder. He retired Sept. 26, 1998.

He enjoyed deer hunting, and bear hunting with his sons, Troy and Scott, near Northome, MN. Charlie also enjoyed fishing, winter spearing, camping with family, and Sunday morning cruises.

He liked going to the Darwin gas station and visiting with friends and others from town, and loved drinking his morning coffee, listening to old time country music, watching the birds outside, and sneaking pieces of candy and sweets when no one was looking.

Charlie especially cherished the time he spent with his family, grandchildren, friends, and playing with his great-granddaughter, Isabel.

He is survived by his wife, Elfreda “Fritz” Simmons of Darwin; children, Audrey Kortz of Flandreau, SD, Scott Kortz and his significant other, Deb Loen of Darwin, and Troy Simmons and his wife, Dana of Watkins; grandchildren Paul Johnson and his wife, Traci, Mitchell Simmons, Casey Simmons, and Trent Truelson; and great-grandchildren Riley and Isabel Johnson.

He is further survived by a brother, Richard Simmons and his wife, Pat of Coon Rapids; a sister, Barb Phillips and her husband, Frank of Ashland, WI; sisters-in-law Alvina Bergquist and her husband, Marlow of Dassel, and Vi Johnson and her husband, Roy of Litchfield; a brother-in-law, Roy Nelson and his wife, Patricia of Hutchinson; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Francis Simmons; a brother, Gerald Simmons; and a sister, Beverly Johnson.

A memorial service took place Thursday, March 14 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin with Pastor Joe Midthun officiating. Organist was Shara Marquez. Soloist Erv Asmus sang “There Are Angels Among Us,” and “Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday.” Congregational hymns were “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and “On Eagle’s Wings.”

Urn bearers were Paul Johnson, Mitchell Simmons, Casey Simmons, Trent Truelson, Riley Johnson

Military honors were provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard.

Memorials are preferred to All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin.

Arrangements were by the Hantge Funeral Chapel in Darwin. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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