Grant M. Simmons

Grant Marshall Simmons, 88, passed away on July 4, 2024, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Born on August 12, 1935, in White Lake, Wisconsin, he was a beloved son to the late Alvin and Florence (Buettner) Simmons. He was baptized at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in White Lake, WI, on September 15, 1935, and confirmed in faith on July 31,1949.

Grant graduated from White Lake High School in 1953. He was united in marriage to Betty Mae Halverson on June 14, 1958. Grant honorably defended our freedom as a Captain in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command from 1956 to 1965. After his military service, he joined American Airlines as a pilot, where he notably flew the inaugural American Eagle flight into General Mitchell Field in 1985. He retired after a commendable 30-year career.

A man of deep faith, Grant was actively involved in his church, holding various leadership roles including elder and president at Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, where he was instrumental in establishing the Grace Lutheran Christian School and led small group Bible studies. He worshiped at Faith Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI, in his later years.

An avid sports enthusiast, Grant was a lifelong fan of Wisconsin sports teams and a proud shareholder of the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed boating on Lake Camelot in Rome, WI, and snowmobiling in Nekoosa, WI. He was dedicated to his daily crossword puzzles and was actively involved in Bible study groups, reflecting his love for both intellectual and spiritual pursuits. He also volunteered alongside his wife at the Bethesda Thrift Shop in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Grant is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty (Halverson) Simmons, and their children: Luana (Phillip) Stiemke, Diana (Alan) Kimball, Ria (Jeffrey) Lau, Lonnie (Anne Ewasko) Simmons, and David (Ariel Lewis) Simmons. He was a proud grandfather to Colin, Jordan, Jillian, Stephanie, Sarah, Stacey, Tom, Dylan, Grant Jacob, Garrett, and Zuzu, and great-grandfather to Kayden, Noah, Charlotte, and Avery. He leaves behind his sisters, Gail Chrisler and Leila Paul. Grant was preceded in death by his siblings Hilbert, Elsie, Harlan, Roland, Gary, and Nola, and his grandson Birk Hansen Simmons.

A memorial service will be held on August 10, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1407 Main St., La Crosse, WI. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with burial at 3:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Taylor, WI. Schumacher-Kish of La Crosse, WI, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church with the memo line: Seven Bridges Lutheran Academy to help fund the start of a new LCMS school and The Lutheran Hour (https://www.lhm.org), honoring Grant's commitment to faith and education. Grant's legacy of kindness, integrity, and faith will forever be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.