Richard A. Simmer

Richard Allen Simmer, 66, of Santa Ana, Calif., died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at home.

A small military burial will take place at Riverside National Cemetery, in California, Oct. 19, 2015, at 11 a.m.  The family suggests memorials be sent to: Richard Simmer Memorial Fund, 4315 W. Regent Dr., Santa Ana, Calif., 92704 or you may go online to the memorial website that has been set up at: memorialfundforrichsimmer.mydagsite.com.

Richard was born Feb. 7, 1949, in Esterville, Iowa, to Donald and Margaret Simmer Sr.  His family moved to Clear Lake in 1958, later he joined the Marines and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.

Richard loved watching NASCAR, college and NFL football.  He also loved fishing, apple pies, his mother’s popcorn and receiving his Midwest care packages.  He loved working and if not for his health would still to this day be working; the thought of retirement was not in his vocabulary.

Richard is survived by four children, Richard Allen (Lisa) Simmer Jr., Michelle Simmer (Randy Weigel), Kristine (Dan) Hempfner, Jamie Simmer; multiple grandchildren and step-grandchildren; nine siblings, Karen (Robert) Christiansen, Dixie (Larry) Haugen, Robert (Colleen) Simmer, Dennis Simmer, Sandra Katz, Francis Simmer (Shelley Paulson) Dale Simmer, Tom Simmer, Tim Simmer; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Donald Simmer Jr., Larry Simmer, Fredrick Simmer, Paul Simmer; two brothers-in-laws, Merle Olinger, Dale Kats; one sister-in-law, Michelle Simmer; and one niece, Grace Simmer.