Larry Dean Simmer Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Larry Dean Simmer

Larry Dean Simmer, 83, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at Sunny View Care Center.

Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. A private burial will take place at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Larry was born on January 9, 1943, in Jefferson, Iowa, to Kenneth and Audrey (Miller) Simmer. He attended North High School in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating, he began working at American Republic Insurance, where he met Kay Frederick. They were married and welcomed their daughter, Shawn.

In 1968, Larry married the love of his life, Shirley Ambrose. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Washington, D.C. Following his military service, Larry and Shirley returned to Ankeny, Iowa, where he built a career with the United States Postal Service and raised their three children.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, papa, and Cubs fan. After retirement, you could always find him sitting in his chair cheering on the Cubs with a scorebook in his lap, or in a heated game of cribbage, Uno, or connect four with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Simmer; his children, Shawn Robair, Bonnie (Dave) Young, Kelly Simmer, and Karen (Mike) Denger; his cherished grandchildren, Chantel (Marlon), Adam (Jacklyn), Michael (Taylor), Ashlynn, David, Ray, Zeke, and Juan; great-grandchildren, Cedar, Soul, and Samuel; his sister, Renee Simmer; his brother-in-law, Jerry Pate; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Simmer; his mother, Audrey Russell; his stepmother, Gretchen Simmer; his stepfather, Darrell Russell; his sister, Linda Pate; and his brother, Gary Simmer and Gary's wife, Lynette.

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