Jerry L. Simonds

Jerry L. Simonds, 91 of Grand Island died Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Tiffany Square. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM Saturday, January 18th at Resurrection Catholic Church. Celebrating Mass will be Jerry’s son, Father Thomas Simonds, with Father Vijumon Choorackal concelebrating. Family will greet friends an hour before service time. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to either American Legion Baseball, Grand Island Central Catholic or Resurrection Church. Jerry was born on a farm south of Belleville, KS the son of Ralph and Maxine (Cory) Simonds. He attended a one room country school in Talmo, KS. For many years Jerry did farm work with custom combine crews, cutting wheat from Oklahoma to South Dakota. When his family moved to Wichita, KS in 1940, Jerry returned to the farm every summer. He graduated from Wichita University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While at Wichita University, Jerry played baseball as a left-handed pitcher and continued on to play industrial baseball for Allens Concrete. He was united in marriage to Juanita Betlach on September 5, 1959 in Wichita. In 1960 he was employed at Martin CO in Littleton, CO as contract administrator for 10 years. While there, Jerry negotiated changes to the Titan Missile System with the Air Force. In 1971, he held a Colorado Securities License with an office in Littleton. He then worked for the next 5 years at Triad/Merrick Machine in Alda, NE as a National Marketing Manager. In 1978 he joined Chief Industries as an International Sales Manager. He and Juanita traveled all over the world while he was with Chief. Some of his favorite countries were Switzerland, Poland, and Egypt. After a long and successful career at Chief, he retired, only to join Ryder, Rosacker, McCue and Huston selling health insurance and annuities. He wasn’t one to sit still and very much enjoyed his retirement job. He was notably a hard worker his entire life. But his favorite memories were spent fishing at the lake, pheasant hunting, playing poker, and countless hours at the ballpark. He adored and admired the accomplishments of his two grandkids. Never missing a front row seat to their events. Which then blessed him with 5 great grandchildren, who always brought a smile to his face. Jerry was a charter member of Resurrection Catholic Church, a member of Kiwanais serving as past president, Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, past president of Pheasants Forever-Loup/Platte Ringnecks, and a Teammates Mentor. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Juanita; son, Father Thomas Simonds, along with Lisa (Charlie) Asche; grandchildren, Keri (Alec) Anania and Kyle (Hannah) Simonds; and great grandchildren, Ellie, Ava, and Izzie Anania, and Kate and Garner Simonds. He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Steven Simonds.

Jerry L. Simonds

July 12, 1933 - January 9, 2025

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Jerry L. Simonds

July 12, 1933 - January 9, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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