Joseph William Simmonds
Joseph William Simmonds
Joseph William Simmonds, 95, of DeGraff, Minnesota died peacefully surrounded by his family April 2, 2026. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in DeGraff from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will be in the St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The St. Bridget's Cemetery fund or to the DeGraff Fire Department.
Joe was born January 9, 1931 in Benson, Minnesota to Francis and Margaret Simmonds. He grew up in DeGraff and was proud to call this his home except for his time spent in the service. Joe graduated from Murdock High School where he enjoyed playing baseball. This love of baseball continued as a favorite conversation topic regardless if it was town ball from years ago, local baseball or the Twins.
Following graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Washington D.C. during the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Army, Joe contracted tuberculosis, and was admitted to the Minneapolis VA Hospital where he spent 14 months. Joe returned to DeGraff where he joined his father and his brother Frank in working at Simmonds Produce. Later, Joe and Frank formed a partnership where they continued Simmonds Feed and Fertilizer, while also acquiring a feed elevator in Sunburg and building Supreme Pet Foods.
Joe married the love of his life, Carol Ashburn on November 16, 1957. Together they shared 68 years of marriage, and devoted their time to raising four children. This would later include nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, each one giving him great joy and pride.
Joe enjoyed yard work with his wife, coffee with friends and neighbors, in addition to many hours spent in his wood shop building furniture for his family as well as bird feeders. Joe lived a life defined by hard work, and deep devotion to his faith and family. He served his community as mayor of DeGraff, and as Fire Chief of the DeGraff Fire Department.
Joe is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Jean (Brad) Hanson, sons Randy (Michelle) Simmonds, Alan (Janelle) Simmonds, daughter in law Melanie Simmonds; grandchildren: Natasha (Brody) Hagen, Brent (Chelsey) Hanson, Adam (Tara) Simmonds, Andrew Simmonds, Cameron (Caitlin) Simmonds, Jenna (Trevor) Ahlbrecht, Mckenzie (Eric) Schnitzler, Lexie Simmonds (Bradey DeHaan); great grandchildren: Jack Hanson, Sawyer Hanson, Joey Huston, Everett Ahlbrecht, Audrey Hanson, Sylvie Schnitzler, Caden Ahlbrecht, Maxwell Simmonds, Baker Simmonds, Zachary Simmonds.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Margaret Simmonds; siblings: Bob Simmonds, Mary (Dot) Lee, Frank Simmonds, Patricia Johnson, and Joan Ashburn; his son Kurt Simmonds, and granddaughter Maria Hanson.
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.
