Irvin Elias Simms Jr.

Irvin Elias Simms, Jr., 68, passed away at his home in Cold Springs Township, MI on February 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. Irvin was born on July 19, 1954, in Detroit, MI. He is the son of Flora Mae (Hill) and Irvin Elias Simms Sr. Irvin married Susan Ellen (Lash) on February 19, 2000. He spent 23 years married to the love of his life. Irvin always had a passion for bowling, growing up around a bowling alley, he quickly took to the sport and learned the ins and outs of the game. He turned that passion into a life-long love of the game, playing and participating in bowling for as long as he could. He gladly managed Mancelona Lanes for the last 10+ years. When Irvin was away from bowling, he loved spending time outdoors, camping with family, and fishing off the pontoon on nice summer days. Working hard came natural to Irvin, he was a handyman who you could frequently find building something new around the house. He loved to attend car shows as well, his favorite car being a 1970 Pontiac GTO, cherry red preferably. As Irvin got older, he always made it a point to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events. Taking it a step forward, he started to coach softball for Mancelona Little-league, enabling him to coach his granddaughters as well. Irvin was a very strong willed, strong headed, and independent man that always took it upon himself to do everything in his power to make life easier on his wife. Above all, he was a family man, who loved spending time with his grandchildren. Irvin will be missed by all and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Irvin will be lovingly remembered by his wife Susan Simms; daughters Tracy (Wallace) Simms-Samuels, Tiffany Albright; sister Barbara Simms, Kathleen Stropp, Sara (Anthony) Kritikos; grandkids Veronica, Austin, and Sarah; family friends Andy and Dawn Fischer. He was preceded in death by his parents; Flora and Phillip Stropp; father Irvin Simms Sr.; son Kenneth Lash; brother Steven Simms; Brother-in-law John Stanula; and parents-in-law Ken and Barb Lash. The funeral service will be held at Kalkaska Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 1:00 PM, the family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Irvin Elias Simms Jr.

July 19, 1954 - February 19, 2023