Timothy Gordon Simmons

Timothy Gordon Simmons

April 5, 1970 – January 20, 2026

Timothy Gordon Simmons, 55, of Winona, Minnesota, left this earthly realm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and was joyfully welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tim was born on April 5, 1970, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Jerry and Linda (Williams) Simmons. He grew up in rural Dover, Minnesota, where he helped area farmers and learned the value of hard work and service. During high school and college, Tim worked at Mr. P’s Grocery Store and Lakeside Packing, played trumpet in the school band, and excelled in athletics. He ran track and was a pole vaulter and was especially skilled in basketball, breaking school records for blocks and steals—and his fellow teammates nicknamed him “Goon Arms.”

Tim was proud to be an Eagle Scout and received the Hero Award for saving his younger sister, Beth, during a dog attack—an early example of his courage and selflessness.

He graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 1988 and went on to Winona State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Composite Materials in 1993 as part of the program’s first fully accredited class. While at WSU, Tim met his soulmate, Stephanie Jo O’Connor. They were married on June 17, 1995, in Austin, Minnesota, and made their home in Winona, where they raised their two sons, Avery and Jacob, who were truly his greatest pride and joy.

Tim was deeply involved in Scouting, serving as Assistant Cubmaster and later Assistant Scoutmaster. An expert knot tyer, he patiently taught Scouts the skills and values he had learned through his own Scouting journey.

Tim loved being an engineer, but his career was cut short by a craniopharyngioma brain tumor that affected his memory and overall health. He underwent two brain surgeries at Mayo Clinic’s St. Mary’s Hospital in 1993, followed by six weeks of daily radiation in 1994, and later a third and fourth surgery in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2001. For more than three decades, Tim faced countless health challenges with extraordinary grace, perseverance, and strength. His faith in the Lord and his sense of humor—along with his love of a good joke—never left him.

Many shared that Tim’s resilience inspired them to face their own struggles with courage. Rather than becoming bitter, Tim allowed God to use his life as a living testimony, encouraging others to deepen their faith and recognize their inner strength.

Tim’s doctors often described him as a true miracle, partnering closely with Tim and Stephanie to help him live the fullest life possible. The love he inspired was evident in the many family members and friends who surrounded him during hospital stays throughout the years, especially in this past month—something that brought him great joy.

Tim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Stephanie; sons Avery (Madison Conway) and Jacob (Laura Walker); sisters Diane (John) Ajouri and Beth (Jeff) Zahn; father- and mother-in-law Michael and Eileen O’Connor; brother-in-law Chad (Jenny) O’Connor; sister-in-law Colleen (Bruce) Fish; nieces and nephews Nathaniel Ajouri, Jessica (Matt) Stubbs, Benjamin (Abby Hall) Ajouri, Katherine, Teddy, and Eleanor Zahn, Layla Stubbs, Paige (Jake) Jochum, Lillie (Carson Roshone) O’Connor, McKenna (Noah Head) O’Connor, and Liam, Sawyer, and Lena Fish; along with numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Linda Simmons; grandparents Earl Simmons; Harold and Garnet Ersland; Dillon Williams; Charles “Jake” and Helen Owens; and Stephanie’s grandparents Raymond and Eileen O’Connor and Burton and Melvina Fjerstad.

Tim touched countless lives and was loved beyond measure. There will never be another like him. While we grieve his passing, we rejoice knowing Tim is no longer in pain. We are forever grateful that the Lord chose us to walk alongside him in this life.

Blessed be your memory, Tim.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. A memorial park bench will be placed, in memory of Tim, at one of his favorite fishing spots.

A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Valley Church (1363 Homer Rd, Winona, MN) on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1:30pm. Visitation will follow the service 2:30pm-4:30pm with a light meal served throughout.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.