Obituaries | The Times, Pottawatomie County

John Edward Simmer

March 26th, 1936 - September 16th, 2026

Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home

March 26, 1936 - September 16, 2026 John Edward Simmer, 90, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka after complications from a stroke. John was born March 26, 1936, in Wamego, KS, the son of Frank Joseph and Cecelia (Umscheid) Simmer. He was a member of the community his entire life, attending local schools and graduating from Wamego Rural High School in 1954. During his high school years, he was a letterman in track and football, earning first team league honors as a center. While attending a dance in Newbury, KS, he met his future wife, Patty Anderson. They were married December 12, 1964, in Olathe, Kansas, and made their home in Wamego. They shared many great times taking trips, house renovations, coaching their daughter's softball teams, and being avid K-State football fans traveling to watch the team play. They had one daughter, Aimee Laurel. After 49 years of marriage, Patty passed away on December 23, 2013. After graduating from high school, John worked construction around the area, and in 1957 he enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving actively until 1963. He began his career with the Kansas Department of Transportation Maintenance division in Wamego in 1958, eventually working his way up to being the supervisor. He enjoyed the many friendships he made with his crews and people in the district, and took pride in the job that they did to keep the roads safe for the public. After 38 years with the state, he retired in 1996. Upon retiring, he found many projects that needed to be done around the house but as spring neared he took a position with Wamego Country Club grounds crew. He loved mowing for them, creating patterns on the fairways, and meeting new friends and seeing old ones. He found a love for the game and took it on as a new hobby, but a frustrating one. John always enjoyed practicing the guitar, listening to country music, remodeling projects for others, trips to Colorado, and sports involving Wamego, K-State, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He enjoyed trying his hand at photography, rode motorcycles for a time, and coached girl's softball teams for many years. When Patty was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he stood by her for years and cared for her at home as long as he could. In later years, he was overjoyed to have grandkids, first Grant, then six years later, Kendall and Cole. Grandpa was the best title ever. He followed soccer matches, baseball and basketball games, and volleyball matches. His grandsons brought him back to the course when they started playing golf, and he loved to watch them play and was appalled at how far they could hit the ball. His family was always at the top of his list and he was always checking on the kids to see how they were, and was so very proud of each one. He will be missed. John is survived by his daughter, Aimee Heinisch, and husband, Brad; three grandkids: Grant and twins Kendall and Cole Heinisch, all from Wamego; as well as his special friend Patricia Krause, Westmoreland, and numerous sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and all of his siblings: Bob Simmer, Donna Johnson, Joanne Simmer, Jerry Simmer, Betty Jensen, Jimmy Simmer, and Bill Simmer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Monday, September 28, 2026, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial will follow in the Wamego City Cemetery. A visitation for John will be held prior to his service at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kansas Honor Flight-Wamego High School or the WAYGolf (Wamego Area Youth Golf Foundation) and may be left in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.

Publication date: October 1st, 2026