Francis Simmers

Francis H. Simmers, 85, Jamestown, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at Jamestown Hospital.

Francis was born April 27, 1921 in rural Jamestown, the son of H. Harrison and Christine (Jessen) Simmers. He received his education in Winfield Township and Sheyenne, ND and attended the University of California in Los Angeles. Francis served in the US Army from December 1942 to January 1946. Upon his discharge he returned to the Jamestown area where he farmed for 37 years. On May 10, 1942 Francis married Irene Peters. She died June 15, 1997. He married Delores (Kratz) Wehler on March 22, 1998.

Francis was a private pilot for 25 years; a Director, Agent, Adjustor and President of the James River Insurance Co. for 20 years; served 16 years as a director at 1st Bank, Jamestown; 16 years as a director at Garrison Diversion Conservancy district; 16 years on the Stutsman County Fair Board; 13 years as a 4-H leader; 8 years as a Sunday School teacher; 7 years as President of the ND Farm Bureau; 4 years on the Stutsman County Commission; 4 years as President of the ND Flying Farmers; one year as Director of the American Farm Bureau; was an Amateur Radio operator; a certified Lay Speaker and member of the ND Conference, United Methodist Church.

His hobbies included flying, tinkering with old cars, tractors and stationary engines, playing cards with friends, and sharing ideas with his grandchildren.

Francis is survived by his wife, Delores, Jamestown; four children: Robert (Carol) Simmers, Bismarck, ND, Janet (Walt) Spiese, LaMoure, ND, Roger (Brenda) Simmers, Denison, TX and Laurel (Brad) Boyer, Monument, CO; a step-daughter, Linda (James) DeVillers, Kensal, ND; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Annabelle Greitl, Topeka, KS and Isabelle Smith, Iowa City, IA.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, parents, an infant daughter, Bonnie, and one brother, Lawrence.

Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Sharing Service: 7:00 PM, Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Eddy Funeral Chapel.

Private Family Burial before memorial service at Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, North Dakota.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 23, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church, Jamestown with Rev. Kenrad Pedersen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Jamestown First United Methodist Church, , Jamestown Hospital and Home Health.

On line guestbook at www.eddyfuneralhome.com