Michael Harold Simmons, 66, of Austin, died Monday, April 6, 2015, at his home.

He was born Sept. 17, 1948, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Harold and Phyllis (Martin) Simmons. After his graduation from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1966 to 1969 in Vietnam. He was employed by the John Morrell Company in Sioux Falls. On June 13, 1971, Michael and Dagna Bergdale were united in marriage in Hanlontown, Iowa. The couple raised two children. In 1985, he moved to Kansas where he worked as a supervisor for Morrell for five years. In 1990, the Simmons moved to Austin, where Michael worked for Quality Pork Processors until 1997. Other places of employment include IBI Data and Nuss Truck and Equipment, where he worked in the Parts Department until his retirement in October 2014. Mike had a special interest in cars. He watched NASCAR races on TV and collected car memorabilia. He also enjoyed car detailing. An active participant in the Mower County Relay for Life, he served as honorary chairperson in 2012. Mike loved his family, especially time spent with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Dagna Simmons of Austin; his children: Tracy (Corey Strawn) Simmons of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and Todd Simmons of Madelia, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Kelly, Sydni, and Hunter; one sister Linda Martin of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his parents Harold and Phyllis Simmons of Sioux Falls.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his brother-in-law Pat Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Glenn Monson officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. American Legion Post 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1216 are in charge of military rites. The family prefers memorials to the Mower County Relay for Life or to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.