Russell Charles Simmons was born on January 11, 1973, in Norton, Kansas, to Douglas and Ivalene (Holtze) Simmons. He grew up in Oshkosh, Nebraska, where he attended Garden County High School. During his time there, Russ was an outstanding student and athlete, playing football and graduating as class salutatorian.
He went on to attend Chadron State College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with a minor in mathematics. After college Russ was hired by an engineering firm in Hays, KS.
In June of 2000, Russ married the love of his life, Michelle, in Garden City, Kansas. Together they built a life centered on love, dedication, and family. Their daughters, Elissa (born 2004) and Rachel (born 2006), were the center of his world. He was a proud and devoted father who would do anything for his girls and found his greatest joy in being their dad.
In 2010, Russ relocated his family from Hays to Broken Bow to work for Weathercraft Roofing. He was known for his strong work ethic and for being someone others could count on. He loved working with his hands and took pride in helping others, always willing to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed.
He was a quiet man and a homebody who found comfort in being with his family. He was a dedicated husband and a steady, loving presence in the lives of those closest to him.
Russ had a deep love for hunting and Garden County football. One of his most treasured memories was two hunting trips to South Africa with his father, an experience that stayed close to his heart.
More than anything, Russ will be remembered as a truly good man, kind, dependable, and selfless in the way he cared for others.
Russ was an active member of the Custer County Masonic Lodge and Hays Masonic Lodge.
Russ passed away on May 2, 2026, after a two and half year battle of cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle Simmons; his daughters, Elissa and Rachel Simmons; his mother, Ivalene Simmons of Holdrege; and his siblings, Caroline (Chris) Erickson of Holdrege, Richard (Victoria) Simmons of North Platte, and James (Grace) Simmons of Bridgeport and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Simmons and niece Olivia Simmons.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the E-Free Church in Broken Bow. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Thursday, May 14th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com
