Biography: Donald B. Simmons, age 76 of Mankato, died Wednesday, March 3, 2016 at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 8, 2016 at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Mankato with Pastor Conrad Vine officiating. Burial will be at Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Memorials are preferred to Seventh-Day Adventist Missions or VINE.

Donald was born on October 13, 1933 in Mankato, MN to Henry and Sarah (Keiper) Severns. He graduated from Mankato High School and went on to attend Mankato Vocational School. He was united in marriage to Joanne Sweiger on February 11, 1955 in Mankato. He worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a Draftsman before working at the Physical Plant at Minnesota State University until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church where he also served as a Deacon. He enjoyed riding his bike, walking his dog “Shadow”, daily bible studies, and spending time with his church family.

Donald is survived by a daughter, Karen (Kevin) Linke of Roy, WA; son, Brian (Kathy) Severns of rural Good Thunder; daughter-in-law, Joanne Severns of Redmond, OR; grandchildren, Lisa (Matt) Williams, Matthew Severns, Kimmie Severns, Dustin, Shawn, Joshua, and Jared Linke, Brandon and Emma Severns; great- grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Elliana, Breanna and Savanna; siblings, Olive Blumenshein of Madelia, Karsten (Beverly) Severns of Mankato; sister-in-law, Margaret Sack of St. Clair; brothers-in-law, Howard (Marge) Sweiger of Mankato, and Francis Sweiger of Cleveland; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his extended church family.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne on April 26, 1989; son, Jeffrey on June 1, 2008; four siblings, Vernon, Noreen, Grace, and Alvin.