George "Mike" Simmer
July 22, 2020
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Service Details
George “Mike” Simmer, 71, passed away July 22, 2020 at Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry, Iowa.
Mike was born November 13, 1948 in Iowa City, Iowa to Leo and Ethel Simmer. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Mike married Peggy Fisher on November 24, 1980. He served 33 years on the Des Moines Police Department, retiring as a Senior Police Officer. During which time, he received numerous recognitions, awards and medals, including the Medal of Honor. Mike loved playing the lottery, going to the racetrack, taking long walks, drinking beer, being outside in his garden and working on his home.
Mike was a hero to his family and to his city. He believed firmly in the motto, “Protect and Serve.”
Mike is survived by his wife, Peg; daughters, Michelle Simmer and Kelly Simmer; son, Michael Simmer; grandson, Leo George Simmer-Stromberg; siblings, Joyce Flanders, Jack Simmer, Sandra Lantz and Larry (Peg) Simmer; many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dean, Gene, Denny, Connie and Bob.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltoinsFuneralHome.com.
Mary
08/16/2020
At Mike's passing, my memories are of Madrid, Iowa where Mike graduated 1967 from Madrid High School. There he played sports and was awarded a track scholarship, but chose instead, the U.S.Army from May'68 to May'70. He spent time at Ft.Bliss, Texas, Ft.Huachuca, Arizona and 20 months at Ft.Shafter, Honolulu, where he played intramural football on base. Upon discharge, he returned home and joined the Local labor union, and worked construction while achieving a Bachelor's degree from Drake University, class of '76, prior to joining the DMPD.
He was a voracious reader, loved music, dancing, playing cards with family and friends, hunting with Bob and eating morel mushrooms in the spring, compliments of Denny.,
He was warm, kind, big-hearted and loved to laugh. He is sorely missed, and lovingly remembered.
Wendy (McNally) DeVries
08/15/2020
I worked at the Dairy Queen on SW 9th all through high school in the early 1980's. Betty Umdenstock owned it then and had fantastic food. George was a regular and was always so kind and funny. He had a knack for turning up across the street just as we were locking up for the night. Made us feel safe. George was the first police officer I ever met and left a lifelong impression of professionalism in community policing. Thanks to his family for sharing him with us southsiders for so many years.
Bill McCarthy
08/02/2020
A very solid person who was an excellent Police Officer and whose lifes experiences allowed him to understand others and see human nature as it is. He will be missed.
Amy (Boozell) Dennis
07/31/2020
I remember him from when he worked across the street from Lincoln when I was in high school. I He was always such a nice guy. He will be missed by this Lincoln grad of '92.
Mary Cowles-Bennethum
07/30/2020
Sorry to hear of Mike's death! When I lived on the Southside of DesMoines he assisted me in getting someone out of my apartment that wasn't welcome there. He would be missed! Prayers for family and friends! I went to school in Madrid with his niece.
Retired SPO Jim Oleson
07/28/2020
George always had a smile and kind word for everyone. A good man and a wonderful cop. It was a pleasure to know him!
Trevor Martin
07/28/2020
As a young 16 year old kid I remembered George walking into HyVee for dinner. I'd talk to him and the other officers with him whenever they came in. All I wanted to be was a police officer and George was the first officer I ever rode with. Some of the things I got to see him do was amazing to me as an impressionable teenager. I stand here today as a 20 year veteran knowing that George Simmer was a HUGE part of the reason I chose this profession. He was a "cops cop" a noble and proud man and a great person through and through! Thank you for everything you did for me George, I'll miss you dearly and ALWAYS remember you. RIP sir....
Daniel Blom
07/27/2020
George was my FTO in 2002. The first day he told me "Everything is going to be alright kid", and he made sure it was. Taught me a lot in those months. Made me feel welcomed to this new life of law enforcement.
I'd like to think I carry his legacy on with me as I continue at DMPD.
Jerry Matalone
07/27/2020
George you were one of the best. I enjoyed working with you at the police department and drinking coffee together whenever we could and scratching lottery tickets. Peg I am so very sorry for your loss. its so hard to believe that youre gone. Rest easy my friend.
Carolyn Taylor DMPD Sergeant retired
07/27/2020
George, you were a great police officer and friend. I remember when I first met you, you welcomed me aboard. You always had a kind word and a smile! Rest easy my friend!
Vaughn Van De Boe
07/27/2020
I worked with George from 1996 to 2000 when I was a Police Cadet on 3rd watch. George was always patient, never showed anger or frustration, and everday was a teaching moment. I recall an evening when George was filling in for our Sergeant, a couple was upset that I had impounded their vehicle, George took the complaint, sought me out, and explained in a very caring manner how to avoid those types of complaints. I will never forget his caring demeanor. Everyone he worked with, he made better, I miss you my friend, and pray for your family.
Dave Brown
07/27/2020
To echo some of what retired Lieutenant Roger Sanders said about George, I have to say what a pleasure it was knowing him and working closely with him on the afternoon shift on the east side of the city back in the mid to late 1970's. George was part of probably one of the best squads of officers ever to patrol the streets of this city. When we came to work we had two goals in mind, and those were to simply make the lives of the criminals who frequented our district just as miserable as we possibly could. And to make the people we were sworn to protect feel safe in their homes and businesses. George was an integral part of of that seven officer squad. He took his job very seriously, but at the same time had a sense of humor -that all police officers need to aid them in coping with their job. George was an inspiration to a lot of young officers who came on after he did. I know his family is very proud of what he did during his 33 year career. As I said, it was a pleasure to have known and worked with George. We, his friends will miss him just as his family will. My sympathy is extended to you all.
Dave Brown
Retired DMPD Sergeant
Rose Weir
07/27/2020
Peggy, I am very sorry to hear about George passing. I remember first meeting you guys when you moved in across the street. You were great neighbors as well as friends. He will and is greatly missed. Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers!
reno faoro
07/26/2020
I've ran into George quite a few times on the Southside. Sometimes as a policeman and as a civilian. He was always very personable and actually answered a domestic issue call with his old time police buddy at my house in 2006. Both of the gentlemen handled it respectfully. The last time I remember seeing him was at the Southside Wal-Mart probably 2019 or 2018. Sadly, I realized he was have a senior moment. But he was still nice enough to visit with me.?? It was really nice knowing this public servant.
Kenny and Roz Woodlund
07/25/2020
So very sorry to hear of GeorgeMike passing! Thoughts and prayers are with the family! ??