Dennis Oren Simmons

Dennis (Denny) Simmons, 78, of Sioux City, passed away August 18, 2026, at his home. A family run Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm at Bronson Shelter house at the park. Tribute sharing time will be at 6:00 pm. The funeral home will not be involved with the service.

Denny was born on February 21, 1948, to Howard and Irene Simmons. He was the first born of 9 children. He graduated from East High School, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and had continuing education in law enforcement. He grew up attending Morningside Assembly, but in later years attended First Assembly.

In 1971, he married Myrtie Kamm. From this union they had one daughter, Theresa Simmons McShane. In 1987, he married Bonnie Ames. She passed in 2003.

Dennis started working at the age of 15 at Swartz’s grocery store. He also worked at Nutrena Feeds, at Dividend gas, and was an operator at Terra Chemical, but he was always drawn to law enforcement since he was a little boy because of the influence of his uncle, who was sheriff in South Dakota. His first law enforcement job started in Bronson as their town Marshall.

In 1974, Dennis joined the Sioux City police force, after one year he moved to the Woodbury County Sheriff’s department. There he was promoted up the line and became the department’s chief deputy. Dennis retired in 2004. While on staff there, he won many awards for his individual and team shooting. The Woodbury shooting range was dedicated and named after him because he was the driving force behind its conception.

Dennis’ favorite pastime was anything with Dave Amick, fishing, boating, hunting, campaigning for office, and a friend and partner in law enforcement.

Dennis was a man with many passions, fishing, photography, rock polishing, woodworking, traveling, cooking and canning, Christian quartet music, and gardening. Being raised with 8 siblings, he especially loved playful time with children and babies.

He is survived by his daughter, Theresa (Chad) McShane of Golden, Colorado; two grandchildren, Ella and Cormac McShane; brother, Jeff (Lois) Simmons; sisters, Laurie Rich, Carolyn (Chuck) Borden, Christine (Allan) Hough, and Dr. Leanne Simmons; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Ames Simmons; his parents, Howard and Irene Young Simmons; brothers, Roger, Scott and Joel Simmons; and brother in-law, DuWayne Rich.

His legacy will be his dedication to the Sherriff’s Department, and his love for law enforcement and the deputies that worked in the field.