Derle Curly Gene Simmer

Curly was born on January, 28, 1934 in Guthrie County, Iowa, to Leo and Ethel (Buttler) Simmer. Curly grew up in Guthrie County. He married his wife Kathleen (McClintic) in 1953. They moved to Polk City in 1958 to be near family. The couple was blessed with four children.

Curly drove a truck for Macmillan Oil Company for 38 years. In his travels around the state of Iowa, he met and made many friends.

Curly came from a large family -3 sisters, 6 brothers. Kathleen and Curly hosted many family gatherings. In his younger years Curly enjoyed being outdoors, spending time with his brothers hunting and fishing. If they were not outdoors, they could be found playing a game of cards. His love of card playing continued throughout the years. Notebooks full of winners and losers are cherished family items.

After the loss of Kathleen, Curly was devoted to her cat Smokey, carting the cat around on his John Deere tractor to the post office with many curious onlookers commenting and even taking pictures, one of which landed in a local paper. Curly had other pets which included an injured rooster and then there’s Miss Priss who was his constant companion. When Curly thought Miss Priss got out of his apartment, (she usually sat inside and watched from the window), he’d open the door and start hollering. The neighborhood became known as “Curly’s Holler”.

He will be remembered by those who knew him for his kind and caring nature. When the call came that someone needed help - Curly was there. Ask anyone.

Survivors include: 3 sisters, Joyce Flanders, Connie Simmer, and Sandra Lantz, 3 brothers: Jack, Larry, and Mike Simmer, daughter Vickie Merrifield, sons Rick and Nick Simmer. Extended family included dozens of nieces and nephews, and too many grand and great grandkids to count.

Curly was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, parents Leo and Ethel, brothers Mickey Allen, Denny, Bob, and Dean, daughter Micki Jo and great granddaughters Hailey and Autumn.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.