GEORGE WAYNE SIMONS

George Wayne Simons, 63, of Nichols, IA took his final ride on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at his home.

He was born in Muscatine on October 20, 1961, but grew up in Thompson, IA. While growing up in Thompson, George was involved in 4H and FFA, showing champion steers and hogs. This hobby later grew into a passion for gardening, which later evolved into a career in landscaping; this he was really proud of. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and made the best homemade lasagna.

Early on in life, George enlisted in the Army, where he was an infantryman serving in Germany, Spain, and France as Private First Class with the 54th Battalion. We could list his achievements in the Army, but what he really loved during that time was the German beer and the nude beaches.

After returning home, George embarked on the most meaningful journey of his life – fatherhood – being a father to his four children who were his entire world. These kids, though, were soon replaced as the “favorites” by his grandbabies. Eventually, the grandbabies had to share the spotlight with his two Harleys – because unlike people, the motorcycles didn’t talk back to him or disagree; they didn’t get upset with him or ask for much, or cost money… (ha!) who are we kidding, the bikes took a lot of his money. If you know George, you’re laughing and we know he would be, too.

On that humorous note, George made a career out of being a “smart ass” and telling 3-day long stories (that you’d probably heard a million times already). He loved to make people laugh and was a stranger to no one. He was just a big “scary” biker with long hair, tattoos from head to toe, a big metal ring on every finger, and his heart on his sleeve; making new friends everywhere he went. George was known to make jokes in any situation, to just take the edge off or to lighten any mood. And you’re probably smiling reading this because that’s likely how George became your new best friend. George, “Jorge”, “Canosa Joe,” “Asshole,” “Pa-Pa,” “Dad”, whatever you knew him by, or for however long, your time with him was probably uniquely memorable. He was ‘Mr. Social butterfly’ with a leather-clad heart of gold. And if he owes you money, sorry for your loss (haha).

Some of you may also have known him as “Santa Clause”, as he served our communities as “Santa” for several years. This brought him so much joy, as he had a soft spot for all kids. He really played that part well with the long white beard, but we always gave him a hard time for his smoker-stained mustache, as Santa’s beard is “not yellow”.

Just as much as George loved to make you laugh, he loved when it was given right back. If there is one thing that we kids took away from our father, it was his sense of humor and sarcasm. Sure made him smile when he was hit with our quick wit. All in all, George was truly one of a kind; a free spirit, thrill seeker, with a love for the outdoors, fishing, karaoke night, and a passion for riding. Never touch his Mt. Dew and don’t leave his house until you “empty your pockets”. He could fix anything as long as there was super glue and duct tape! To know George was to love him, get mad at him, and love him again (he’d force you to get over it and have you laughing, whether you wanted to or not.)

George wouldn’t want tears or sadness, he would want laughter and stories, and he would tell the kids to “go play in the streets”.

George was survived by his children, “Scooter”-Brandie (Brycin Sulzberger) Elliott, “Peewee”-Tonya (Don) Lick, “Lil’ Bro”-Cody (Megan Huston) Simons, and “Mookie”- Torey (Codie) Rohde. His 14 grandchildren. His sister, Becky (Merlin) McGuire. And many loyal chosen family, friends, and ‘Brothers’. He is also survived in death by his best friend and sidekick, man’s best friend, Breeze.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Dorothy (Foster) Simons. His fathers, Eldon Simons and Frank Andrews. One brother, Allen McGowan. Two infant grandsons, Kashden and Jayden Simons.

There will be a private graveside service for his immediate family. A last ride and a Celebration of Life gathering will be held to honor the memory of George. On Friday, July 11th, 2025, the ride will leave from his home in Nichols at promptly 2:30pm and will end at the Celebration of Life scheduled to be held from 3pm-6pm at the American Legion of Muscatine, 110 S Houser St. Please join the family for a ride and to share your best memories of George.

Offerings of remembrance or tribute items to honor George can be left with Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home in care of his children. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com