Don Keith Simmelink

Don Keith Simmelink was born to Maurice and Pauline Simmelink on January 21st 1932. He left his earthly body surrounded by his family as he was united with Jesus on April 10th, 2024 at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, KS. He was born near Cawker City Kansas, then moved to Ionia, KS with his parents in 1939. While living in Ionia although he was very young he helped his parents by working in the Produce Station. During the early years of elementary school, he would ride his horse to and from school every day. In 1950 he graduated from Ionia High school. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Cheyenne Wyoming for 4 years. On November 11th, 1951 He married Shirley Tullar in Jewell Kansas at the Methodist Church. After they married they lived in Cheyenne for a brief time until he moved back to Kansas to start his farm. He spent the remainder of his life building a successful farm operation. Once his physical health required him to retire, he spent the rest of his days living vicariously through his Grandson as he mentored him through building his own farm operation.

Don enjoyed many things throughout his life here on earth such as farming, dancing, horseback riding and spending time with his family and friends. Most of all he enjoyed laughter. It didn’t matter whether you spent ten seconds or ten hours with Don, his orneriness was guaranteed to provide you with laughter during every encounter you had with him. Family was important to Don, he spent countless hours with his Grandchildren. Whether it be in the bleachers of a sporting event, on the back of a horse during a trail ride or just sitting in his recliner carrying on a conversation about life. Don was especially proud of his Grandchildren and would often tell people “If I would have known my Grandkids would be so much fun, I would have had them first.” 

Don will be missed greatly by his family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Resident Care Center in Beloit. Three children, Donna (Charlie) Reed of Cheyenne Wyoming, Dale Simmelink of Ionia KS and Dee (Curtis) Shamburg of Portis, Ks, a sister Jane (Jerry) Patton of Wichita, Ks; 15 Grandchildren, 2 step Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Pauline Simmelink, Brother Edwin Simmelink a Grandson and a Great Grandson.

Visitation will be Sunday April 14, 2024 from 2:00pm – 7:00pm with the family receiving friends from 3:00pm – 5:00pm at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, KS.

Funeral Services will be Monday April 15, 2024 at 10:00am at the Jewell Community Center, Jewell, KS with Pastor Charlie Reed Officiating.

Burial will follow the service at the Jewell City Cemetery, Jewell, KS.

Military Honors will be provided by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Memorials can be made to Ionia Community Church.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don Keith Simmelink, please visit our floral store.