Ronald Simmering

Ronald R. Simmering, 79, of Bettendorf, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Graveside services will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be directed to the Simmering family.

Ron was born on February 19, 1943 in Washington, Iowa, the son of Donald and Edith (Miller) Simmering. Following high school, Ron earned a cosmetology degree and opened Alpine Hair Fashion in Bettendorf which he ran for over 50 years.  Ron was a Master Gardener.  In 1995 he was a founding member of the Mississippi Valley Hosta Society and served as its first president.  He was responsible for creating several original hosta varieties such as Dumb Blonde, Bix Blues, X-Rated, Hawkeye Gold, and Striptease.  His garden was stunning and was viewed by bus tours and garden walks for many years.  He was also an active member of the Midwest Regional Hosta Society, the American Hosta Society, and Friends of Vanderveer Park.

Ron was a very creative man with many varied interests.  He competed in and won disco dancing contests, he loved to cook and traveled extensively.  He was an avid reader and loved to camp at his family’s private lake.  Ron was known especially for loving animals.  He rescued and raised many orphaned wild animals throughout his life as well as owning many dogs and cats.  He is survived by his cat, Rusty, who is the King of his household.

Those left to honor Ron’s memory are his children, Melissa Simmering, Mike Simmering and wife Nicole; stepsons, Jamie and David Dies; grandchildren, Nic Armetta, River and Ryder Simmering, and Olivia Dies; his brother, Don Simmering and wife Cindy Simmering; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two very dear friends, Jeanne Nakumara and Shawn Walden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Edith Simmering; his brothers, Larry and Ed Simmering; and his wife, Teri Simmering.