Wayne Simmerman

Delbert Wayne Simmerman, 90 years, passed away peacefully October 21, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospital surrounded by his children. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at the Elm Creek Christian Church with Pastor Dave Dickinson officiating. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Chapel in Elm Creek. Memorials are suggested to Elm Creek Emergency Unit, Elm Creek School Foundation, Christian Churches of Elm Creek and Overton and the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Wayne was born February 7, 1931 in Sterling, CO. His family moved to Kearney, NE when he was very young. They then moved to Elm Creek where he attended elementary grades in rural schools. He graduated from Elm Creek Public School in 1949. He worked for the Peterson Mortuary in Elm Creek and Central Typewriter Company in Hastings after breaking his back due to a fall from a horse. He then worked at the Peterson Conoco and Café in Elm Creek in 1950 and later at McKee Implement – International Harvester from 1951-1952. In 1953 he married Phillys Williams. At that time, he owned the Standard Filling Station on Hwy 30. In 1955, they moved to Phelps County where he worked for Clyde Cruise. In 1958, they moved back to Elm Creek and he became patrol operator for the Elm Creek Township until 2014. After he retired, he drove the bus for the Elm Creek School. He worked for Neilsen Mortuary, Godberson Mortuary and later the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. He always wished he could have gone to school to be a funeral director. Wayne and Phyllis served on the Elm Creek Centennial Committee in 1987. For 55 years he was the “Voice of the Buffaloes” announcing for all the football games. In March 2014, the Nebraska State Athletic Association presented him an award for Outstanding Service to Nebraska High School Athletics. He also opened his own Small Engine Repair business which he has worked in until recently. Wayne was known as “The Snakeman”. He traveled to schools, county fairs and to other groups where he gave educational talks about snake safety and identification of snakes of the United States. He is survived by his children Bill (Nancy) Simmerman of Elm Creek; Keri (Mark) Phillips of Omaha and Pegi Simmerman of Steamboat Springs, CO. Granddaughters Lauren (Drew) Schneider and Kati (Chase) Newcomer. Eight great-grandchildren: Addison, Shyan, Nevaeh, Easton, Jude, Eloise, Otto and Freddie. His sister Ardis and two brothers Harlan and Dick as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, daughter, Lori Ruth, granddaughter Annie Ruth, his parents, two sisters and three brother-in-law’s. Our Family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Lissa Woodruff, the nurses and other employees of Good Samaritan Hospital ICU for all the wonderful care and concern for our dad and family.

Wayne Simmerman

February 7, 1931 - October 21, 2021