Francis J. ‘Frank’ Simmonds

Francis J. ‘Frank’ Simmonds
May 24, 1925 • June 1, 2016
Francis J. Simmonds, 91, of Rochester, Minnesota died Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Seasons Hospice.
A Memorial Mass for Francis J. “Frank” Simmonds was held  at 11 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester officiated by the Revs. Kevin Connolly and Shawn Haremza. Visitation was one hour prior to the Mass at the church.  Burial was at 1:30 p.m. at Oakwood East Cemetery with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 92.
Francis James Simmonds was born May 24, 1925 at Benson, Minnesota to Francis Joseph and Margaret (Bouta) Simmonds. He grew up in DeGraff  and graduated from Benson High School.
Frank served in the United States Coast Guard from 1943 to 1946.
January 25, 1947, Francis married Gladys I. Gauthier. She passed away July 27, 2008.
Frank and his brother, Joseph, worked together as business partners for 34 years (Simmonds Feed and Fertilizer and Supreme Pet Food). He moved to Rochester in 1991. He enjoyed woodcarving, reading and spending time with family.
Frank is survived by five daughters, Terri (Ron) Jones of Farmington, Debbie (Mike) Benson of Rochester, Cheryl (Steve) Sering of Rochester, Sandy (Jed) Nikolai of Chaska and Mary (Dave) Egge of Rochester. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Simmonds of DeGraff and a sister, Joan (Larry) Ashburn of Benson; nine grandchildren: Erik (Melissa) Benson, Chad (Tara) Benson, Jason (Jessica) Egge, Tammy (Andy) Sorum, Josh (Han) Egge, Tracy (Tom) Worm, Chelsey Fowler, Mason and Zack Nickolai; 13 great-grandchildren: Natalie, Noah and Audrey Egge; Ella and Lily Benson and Zia Benson; Alex, Hannah and Greta Sorum; Ethan, Evan, Emmit and Eli Worm.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys, infant daughter Sharon, brother Robert, infant brother John and sisters Patricia and Mary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Vincent De Paul Charities, an organization that assists the poor, Channel One or Donor’s Choice.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.