Bruce Simmons passed away peacefully Friday evening, June 22, 2012 at the Pavilions in Traverse City Michigan. Cremation has taken place. Bruce was born on March 18, 1940 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His parents were Donald and Helen ‘Suzie’ Simmons who preceded him in death.

Bruce was raised in Parchment Michigan and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and attended Western Michigan University. He married Judy in 1961 and began raising a family in Kalamazoo. In 1972 the family moved to the Vicksburg area where they resided. In 2000 Bruce and Judy built a house in Mesick where he spent his remaining years. Bruce worked in the graphic arts business beginning with Platecraft in Kalamazoo. He then began a sales career with Kalacraft and LSI/Kala where he remained until his retirement. Bruce was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and boating. Bruce particularly enjoyed hunting grouse and deer in the Mesick area, as well as fishing the Hodenpyl Dam backwaters.

Bruce is survived by his wife of fifty years, Judy Simmons; sons Steve (Mary) Simmons of Quincy, IL, Mark (Dawn) Simmons of Schoolcraft, MI, and Brad Simmons of Traverse City, MI; grandsons, Dustin and Matt Simmons of Manistee, MI; and sister Donna Tanis of Plymouth, MA. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and along with his beloved dog, Maggie.

There will be a visitation on Friday July 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ellen’s Corners banquet facility in Mesick, MI. On Saturday July 28th there will be a celebration of life at the American Legion in Schoolcraft, MI starting at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association, or to the place of your choice.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.