Dean G. Simmons • 1953 - 2011

Dean G. Simmons, 58, Minot, formerly of Ryder, died Monday, March 21, 2011 in a Minot hospital

Dean was born February 23, 1953 in Minot, ND to Ted and Hazel (Rime) Simmons.  He
was raised in Ryder, graduating from North Shore High School in 1971.

He was once married to Lenyce (Hove) Simmons. They had 2 sons, Beau and Wes. While living in Ryder, Dean held many jobs including; working as a truck driver, oil field worker and telephone cable splicer. In the 1980's, he started working for his father full time at Ted's Garage in Ryder.  Dean worked and managed Ted's Garage until 2000, when he moved to Minot and went to work for Central Machine and Pump Repair.  He worked there until his the time of death.

 Dean was a member of the Ryder Fire Department and served as Chief for 20 years.  He worked to build the department from a small department to one that is now one of the premier fire
departments in central ND.  He served as the 1988 President of the ND Firefighters Association and also served on the NDFA's certification advisory board until 2001.  He served on the city council in Ryder from 1982-1988, when he became Mayor and held that position until 2000.

Dean was a life time member of the Makoti Thresher's Association and Western MN Steam Thresher's Reunion. He was a certified steam engine operator and steam locomotive engineer.  He served on the ND State Fair Parade committee and was involved with Nodak Speedway in
Minot.  He was an active Ham Radio operator and a Sky Warn Spotter for many years. Dean was active and joined many other organizations throughout his lifetime as he loved to visit with people. He always had a joke to tell to anyone who had time to listen.

Dean is survived by his sons, Beau Simmons, (Rachel Dally), Mandan and Wesley Simmons, Ryder; his sister, Phyllis (Bill) Ketter, Scituate, MA; brother, Daryl (Mary) Simmons, Garrison; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Hazel.

Funeral services:  Monday, March 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 1000 3rd St NE, Minot, ND.

Visitation:  There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign the guest register Sunday, March 27, 2011 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials.

Officiating Clergy: Rev. Jonathan Starks, Pastor at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Ryder, ND

Music: Congregational hymns
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art”
Debbie Peterson, pianist
Rev. Jonathan Starks to offer a special selection

Honorary Bearers: Members of the NDFA, Ryder/Makoti Fire Department, Makoti Thresher’s Association, Western Minnesota Steam Thresher’s Association, Nodak Speedway, Amateur radio club, Minot Railroad Museum, ND State Fair Parade Committee and the many other organizations Dean was a member of.

Following the service everyone is invited to join the family for coffee and fellowship in the Fireside Room at the church.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.  Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.

To sign the online guest register for Dean
To view the online guest register for Dean

To view the outside of Dean's folder
To view the inside of Dean's folder

Back to Obituaries