Obituary of Duane Alan Simmons

Duane Alan Simmons, age 57, of Hayward passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minnesota with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer. Duane was born to Lee (Pete) and Lola (McFarland) Simmons in Shell Lake, WI on October 6, 1960. He’s been a life-long resident of Hayward, WI… having grown up and graduated here. On November 12, 1983, he married Lisa Jacobsen at the First Lutheran Church in Hayward. He had worked at a number of places including Bender Machine Works as a machinist, at Advance Printing as a press operator, as well as bartending locally. Duane was a gentle giant with a heart of gold whose interests included trap shooting, softball, watching the MN Vikings, hunting, camping with his kids (whom he was very proud of), and spending time with family. Duane is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lisa – Hayward; sons Tyler and Eric Simmons – Superior, WI; dog Snickers; brother Donald (Judy) Simmons – Hayward, WI; brother-in-law Dave Jacobsen – Hayward, WI; nephew Timothy (Tashina) Simmons – Superior, WI; nieces Sari (Brooke) Torstenson and Lori (Kevin) Clifford – Hayward, WI; uncle Del McFarland – Webster, SD; aunt Gloria “Dode” (Charles) Ellis – Winter, WI; several cousins and many, many good friends. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Debra Simmons, grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins; good friends Pete and Luke; and daddy’s little girl, Skittles (his “fur” ever buddy). A celebration of life was held on Sunday, December 17th at the Hayward Veterans Center with words spoken by his cousin, Pastor Janet Miller – Watertown, SD.