Born July 28, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, passed away February 10, 2013 at the age of 53. Rene was a department manager for the State of Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget. He served briefly in the U.S. Coast Guard. Rene was a very charismatic, outgoing, loving husband, father and grandfather with a love of music and a great sense of humor. He was a dedicated MSU Spartan fan, who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, camping, river floating, horses, skiing and sailing. Rene will be greatly missed by his adoring wife of 35 years Beckie. He is survived by his children, Nicole Garza (Joe Gray), Jamie (Doug) Kirby, Scott (Kelsie Cole) Simmons, Trevor Simmons and Christopher (Ashleigh Wazbinski) Mee; grandchildren, Taylor, Jaylee and Makenzie Garza, Avery and Drew Kirby, Autumn Gray and baby Oliver Mee; parents, Richard and Dorothy Simmons; siblings, Charles (Sue) Simmons, Renee (Patrick) Lindsay, Therese (Tom) Hamming, Mary (Les) Vietzke and Toby (Candie) Simmons; father-in-law, Clifford Mee; foster mother-in-law, Susan Garbarini; sister-in-laws, Patricia Simmons, Janet (Adam) Ravelo, Lisa Hilty and Linda Mee; brother-in-laws, Brian (Lisa) Mee and Mike (Colleen) Mee; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Christopher and Brion; mother-in-law, Joyce Mee; foster father-in-law, Mark Garbarini and a great-niece. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 15, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, with the Rev. Mark Inglot officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 14, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing where the rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 6, 2024
Ron W
Rene was a loyal friend and confidant who will never be forgotten. I'm proud to celebrate the short time we had to share his life. RIP, Rene.
June 19, 2013
Beckie Simmons
Tentative plans are for a Graveside service at Ovid Cemetery on July 27,2013 then get together at our home on that afternoon & evening, possible camping, shoes, cooking and in the morning WAFFELS!
February 20, 2013
Jamie Kirby
I miss you so much! Keep talking to me through the music, and I will keep singing and dancing! I love you Dad!
February 18, 2013
I graduated with Rene. He was always such
a gentleman and great friend to all. And
that "Smile". Take comfort in memories.
Lori Smith Wirt
February 17, 2013
We will be holding a grave side service in the spring or early summer.
February 17, 2013
Monique Page
Hi Simmons family,
I hope you remember me, I baby sat for you guys back around the late 80's. My sister still works for the state and told me of Rene's passing. I'm so saddened to hear of this, my sincere condolences go out to you Becky, and all the kids. Looking back at that time in my life, I so appreciate how good you guys were to me, I was young and a little confused about which direction to take in life, but you guys were so supportive, I loved having a little part in your family. Rene was a very sweet man and such a loving father, I know that you can take comfort in the memories of how he loved you all so much. I remember one day when he came home he was so excited to be off work to spend time with you all, especially Trevor, who was probably less than a year old, he tossed him gently up in the air and took him out for a stroller ride. I pray for peace and strength through your hard days ahead. I'm sure things are very dark and overwhelming now, but I pray the Lord bring you comfort like only He can do. Sincerely, Monique Page (Calder)
February 15, 2013
RIP Rene. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know and work with you. And as many have said before me, you have a wonderful spirit and you are a complete joy to be around. No more troubles down here Rene; save a spot for me in heaven. God Bless your family.
Teresa Keyton
February 15, 2013
Karen McCumber
Theresa,
Sorry to hear about your brother. I remember dancing in your basement and he would play his records, especially Ram by Paul McCartney. My condolences.
February 15, 2013
Cathy Myers
I worked with Rene at the State of Michigan many years ago. I remember one day when his wife was in labor and he kept calling the office and giving us updates on the progress. He was so proud to be a father. Even though it has been quite some time since I worked with Rene, I still have a vivid memory of his smile and happy personality. My thoughts go out to the family.
February 15, 2013
Beckie, I am so sorry about your husband's passing. My thoughts are with you and if there's anything I can do, please call. Your childhood friend, Caryn Whipple, (Browder)
February 15, 2013
Vicky Christeson
Words can not express the great sadness we feel at the loss of Rene. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family Beckie.
February 14, 2013
Abram & Eula
Our sympathies and love are with the family at this time of loss and sorrow.
May Christ be with you all.
February 14, 2013
Wendy Hopper
I am so saddened to hear of Rene's passing. I worked with him a couple of years ago on a very "chaotic" project. During that time Rene was able to lighten the day with his jokes and that sarcastic smile he always had plastered across his face. He was great to work with and always made me feel like I was not only a coworker, but also a friend. Rene will be greatly missed. May the memories you have of him comfort you in this time.
February 14, 2013
Ron Weinstein
I will always keep the fond memories of having worked closely with Rene over the years. As traveling companions, we always enjoyed our annual trips to the MISA conferences at Higgins Lake. Rene was respected and admired by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to Beckie and Family.
February 14, 2013
Patti Cunningham Cuellar
I worked with Rene years ago with the State of Michigan and remember him as a kind, fun, generous person. My sympathies go to the family and friends.
February 14, 2013
Terry Horton
Another angel has earned there wings!Until we meet again I will miss you my friend. Prayers, peace and comfort to Becki and the family.
February 13, 2013
Brian Smith
Beckie,
Having worked and played with Rene over the years, I came to know a man who was compansionate, kind, loving, and a pure joy to be around. His smile and laughter was always infectious. Everytime we got together, we talked about families. He loved talking about you and the kids. You could always see it in his eyes and smile the pride and love he had for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
February 13, 2013
Michael, Colleen, Marshall and Alyssa Mee
Words can not begin to express the deep sadness and loss that is felt by our family. We love Rene very much as a Brother in Law and an Uncle to our children. He was a wonderful friend and family member. We will miss him greatly, but know there will be a day we see him again in heaven.
February 13, 2013
Beckie,
I was shocked to hear about the passing of Rene; I remembered how you and I talked when we were thinking about retiring and you were anxiously figuring out you and Rene's retirement and all the things you had planned to do. My heart really goes out to you and your family. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding and he will direct your path.
Love,Hugs and Prayers
Quanzella
February 13, 2013
Cathleen Simlar
I worked briefly with Rene on a large project for the State of Michigan but I will long remember him. He was kind and patient; his easy-going way brought a calmness to the top floor of the Romney building where we worked many hours under his direction. He was a stellar man; a great leader and one of the kindest people I have ever known. The loss of Rene is a truly great loss and my heart aches for his family. Goodbye, Rene - my friend, until we meet again ...
February 13, 2013
Dear Mary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take comfort in knowing your friends are here for you.
Enyde Polesuk
February 13, 2013
Charlene & Emma Rose McFaul
Beckie, our deepest sympathy for both you and Christopher.
February 13, 2013
Kathy Reid
Rene will be missed. He was always so friendly and helpful. It was a pleasure to know and work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
February 13, 2013
Bonnie Ott
Our deepest condolences go out to the Simmons family.
~from Ovid-Elsie High School Business and Vocational Department
February 13, 2013
Robin Fifield
Beckie - Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rene was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed, especially the way his whole face lit up every time he smiled (which was pretty much all the time). May the Lord help you and give you the strength you need to get through this time of sorrow.
February 13, 2013
Barb Medlock
Having worked with Rene many years I found his smile to be infectious, his joy to be uplifting and his work dedicated to helping get the job done. May we pause and reflect on the gift of Rene. God bless each of you in this time of loss.
February 12, 2013
Laura Bates
So sorry for your loss, he was a good man.
February 12, 2013
Barbara Spitzley
Beckie, my heart is heavy with the news about Rene, and I imagine your heart feels as if it weighs a ton right now. I hope all the beautiful memories of Rene (and I'm sure there are many) help to ease your sorrow at this time. Rene was a great man and he will surely be missed. May your heart and soul find comfort in the coming days. Peace, prayers, and blessings to you and your family.
February 12, 2013
Debra Rounds Yerke
I graduated with Rene, he always treated me and everyone else with respect and friendship, he will surely be missed.
February 12, 2013
cheri whitaker
Rest now Rene. prayers with you all Rene was joy to be around always had a big smile for every one. He will be missed by all that knew him.
February 12, 2013
Amada Perry
Beckie and family I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
John and Amada Perry
February 12, 2013
JANET MARTZ
BECKY & FAMILY, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, RENE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY.
February 12, 2013
The loss of Rene breaks my heart for all of you. Death is such a brutal way to say good-by. I wish their was a majic word I could say to help ease your pain but my only source of comfort is my deep felt compassion. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
In loving memory of Rene,
Lyn Combs
February 12, 2013
I feel blessed to have known Rene and your loving family. I am sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in my prayers. Judy T., RN Sparrow
February 12, 2013
Roxanne Hoyland
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rene will be missed.
February 12, 2013
Donna and Jim Adkins
Hold tight to memories for comfort,
Lean on your friends for strength,
And always remember how much you are cared about.
February 12, 2013
Renee Harper
Mary- My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Take comfort in knowing that Rene is in a very loving and comforting place.
February 12, 2013
Joan Dunlap
Renee,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the good times with your brother will bring you peace in hard times. Thoughts and prayers.
February 12, 2013
Kristen Ouellette
The world will not be the same without your charm and infectious smile.
February 12, 2013
Mary Vietzke
May Christ support us all the day long, till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and holy rest and peace at the last. -Amen
Love you Rene! You are at peace.
February 12, 2013
Love you Rene!
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Funeral services provided by:
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more