The Superior Express -

Don Keith Simmelink was born to Maurice and Pauline Simmelink Jan. 21, 1932. He left his earthly body surrounded by his family as he was united with Jesus on April 10, 2024, at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas. He was born near Cawker City, Kansas, and moved to Ionia, Kansas, with his parents in 1939. While living in Ionia, although he was very young, he helped his parents by working in the produce station.

During the early years of elementary school, he would ride his horse to and from school every day. In 1950, he graduated from Ionia High school. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for four years. On Nov.11, 1951 he married Shirley Tullar at the Jewell, Kansas, Methodist Church. After they married, they lived in Cheyenne for a brief time until he moved back to Kansas to start his farm.

He devoted the remainder of his life building a successful farm operation. Once his physical health required him to retire, he lived vicariously through his grandson as he mentored him through building his own farm operation.

Don enjoyed many things such as farming, dancing, horseback riding and time with his family and friends. Most of all he enjoyed laughter. It didn't matter whether you spent 10 seconds or 10 hours with Don, his orneriness was guaranteed to provide you with laughter during every encounter.

Family was important to Don, he spent countless hours with his grandchildren. Whether it be in the bleachers of a sporting event, on the back of a horse during a trail ride or just sitting in his recliner carrying on a conversation about life. Don was especially proud of his grandchildren and would often tell people "If I would have known my grandkids would be so much fun, I would have had them first." 

Don will be missed greatly by his family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Resident Care Center in Beloit. Three children, Donna (Charlie) Reed of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dale Simmelink of Ionia and Dee (Curtis) Shamburg of Portis, Kansas; a sister, Jane (Jerry) Patton of Wichita, Kansas; 15 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Pauline Simmelink; a brother, Edwin Simmelink; a grandson; and a great-grandson.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m.with the family receiving friends from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Jewell Community Center, with Pastor Charlie Reed officiating.

Burial will follow at the Jewell City Cemetery.

Military honors will be provided by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Ionia Community Church.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.