- Date Of Death: August 5, 2005
- State: Minnesota
Doris Elaine (Erickson) Simmons, 84, died Wednesday, August 3, 2005 in the North Regions Hospital in Bemidji, MN. She was born Nov. 27, 1920 at Argyle, MN to Edward and Ethel (Thorsell) Erickson. She was baptized and confirmed Lutheran faith. Doris graduated from Argyle High School as Salutatorian in 1939. She attended one year Elementary Teachers course in Warren, MN. Doris taught two years at Elm Park School in Gatzke, MN. She attended Bemidji State University in 1942 and taught school for one year near Argyle. In 1943-44 she worked at Bethlehem Steel Shipyards in Alameda, CA as a lathe operator. She married Robert M. Simmons Dec. 29, 1943 in Grygla, MN. Doris worked in Vancouver, WA as a machinist while Bob served in the Army for our country in Europe. They lived for a short time in Argyle, MN and then they bought a farm in the Gatzke area. She taught two more years and then took time off to raise a family and the duties of farm life. She was active in the Randeen Church, she an officer for the Ladies Aid, taught Sunday school and was the Sunday School Superintendent. Doris took college courses in 1962 to renew her Teachers Certificate and started teaching at Grygla, MN in 1963. She took a leave of absence to finish her B.S. Degree from Bemidji State University in December of 1971. She taught 22 years at the Grygla School, 8th grade, 5th grade and the Title I Program, retiring in 1985. Her husband Bob passed away Nov. 1, 1983 and she moved to Roseau, MN in 1986 and into the North Star Apartments in 1987. She then moved to Bemidji, MN, January of 2004 to live with her daughter. She was an avid reader and letter writer and became very difficult for her when her eyesight was failing.
She will be missed by many. May her memory by blessed! Survivors include her son, Gary (Jackie) Simmons of Gatzke, MN; daughter, Sandy Smith (Randy Cwikla) both of Bemidji, MN; brothers, Ellsworth (Rose Mary) Erickson of Yorba Linda, CA; Kermit Erickson of Rowland Heights, CA; Delton (Dorothy) Erickson of Bakersfield, CA; Duane (Betty) Erickson of Cypress City, CA; Vance (Jan) Erickson of Fargo, ND; sisters, Avis (Arnold) Melin of Moraga, CA; Donna Erickson of Antioch, CA; Darlene (Dick) Stoner of Modesto, CA; Dianne (Tom) Erskine of Agwam, MA; brother in-laws, Roger (Edla) Simmons of Bloomington, MN; Ron (Viola) Simmons of Roseau, MN; sister in-laws, Marlys Erickson of Red Lake Falls, MN; Mildred Simmons of Roseau; Joan Simmons of Roseau; Betty Larson of Grand Rapids, MN; Gloria (Leroy) Swanson of Warroad, MN; grandchildren, Michelle (Matt) Chapple of Denham Springs, LA; T-Sgt Robert (Carly) Smith of Navarre, FL; Cass and Lindsay Simmons of Gatzke, MN; great grandchildren, Madison and Mason Chapple and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, mother and father in-law, Ray and Bessie Simmons; brothers, Eldon, Lyle, Darrell and Dennis Erickson; sisters, Phyllis and Beverly; brother in-laws, Russell Simmons, Richard Simmons and Robert Larson; sister in-laws, Lucille and Marlys Erickson and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Marie Simmons.
