Robert Kyle Simmons

Robert Kyle Simmons

Minneapolis, MN – “Robert Kyle Simmons” age 57, completed his earthly journey April 16, 2020. Robert was born Oct., 3, 1962 in Miami, Oklahoma. As a military child “brat” until age 11, he spent his early years in Michigan, California, Germany, Oklahoma, and No. Dakota. 

He is survived by his children, Bronwyn and Collan Simmons and his ex wife and close friend, Wini Froelich, of Minneapolis, MN;  Mother, Viki and step-father, Michael Hilbert of Bismarck, ND: brother, Kelby Simmons, Minneapolis; step sister, Michele (Torrey) Seidler of Garrison, ND and their 4 children; Melinda (Sam) Peterson of Bismarck, ND and one child; Melissa (Cory) Lauer and their two sons; Melanie (Ward) Heinzen and their three children; his birth father Robert Lee Simmons and half brother Lane Simmons of Florida. 

Robert Kyle Simmons

As a child, he loved playing baseball and basketball and was an all star in basketball at Minot AFB. He was also involved in community theater which became a lifelong interest and career.  He graduated Minot High School in ND and entered the navy.  He entered North Dakota State University in 1989 as a theater major.  In 1990 he was honored to be one of the founding actors at Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts in New Rockford, ND.  While at NDSU Robert met his wife Wini. After Robert graduated in 1994 they moved to Atlanta, GA where Robert performed with multiple companies including the Academy theater and the Atlanta Jewish Theater. 

In 1997, Robert joined the staff at International Certification Services, an organic certification company based in Medina, ND.  This job led to lifelong advocacy and passion for the organic food movement.  Working remotely for ICS during his 14 year career there, he worked on international projects that led him to live and work in Wales, UK and to experience world travel which he loved. Robert acted as a Senior Executive Partner at ICS for the last four years of his tenure there.   

Robert Kyle Simmons

He and Wini also lived in Madison, WI, Arcata, CA, Colwyn Bay, Wales, finally settling near Minneapolis, MN to raise their two children. While in MN Robert worked several years for The Mystery Cafe and did other acting and theater projects. Robert, or Kyle, as he was known to many,  fought a lifelong battle with addiction and other resulting mental illness, many times doing well and many times not doing as well. 

After struggling with a new business and battling addiction he and Wini separated in 2001. He spent time working for various companies and freelancing over the following years but most recently was volunteering then working as a Scenic Carpenter at Lyric Arts Theater in Anoka, MN. He found his way back to theater, a place where he always found friends who become like family and joy in what he could build. 

Robert Kyle Simmons

Despite his battles with addiction, he was a wonderful father, a caring brother, a loving son (his last gift to his mother was an N95 mask), and a good friend.  He was a man who could find the funny in any situation and kept us laughing even at times when it was through tears. 

He will be terribly missed by his family and friends but we also know he is now at peace.

Given the current health situation, a memorial will be scheduled later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to any one of the following:

http://www.lyricarts.org/donate

https://www.haven4heroesmn.org/matching-donation-drive

https://steppingstoneeh.org/donate

Robert Kyle Simmons - snow background

10 thoughts on “Robert Kyle Simmons

  1. Mark Bomchill Reply

    Robert always brought a smile to my face. He was a dear man with a huge heart.
    I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you more.
    I love you and will miss you

  2. Andrew pudvan Reply

    Robert was the kindest, funniest, would take his shirt off his back for u in a heartbeat kind of guy. He helped save my life. His heart was so big. He loved everyone. He will be missed so much. Everyone lost a great man the day he died and I am so sad for that. I love you robert. You were always there for me.

  3. Maurice and Jan Hedgecock Reply

    Robert is not a past but a living memory for us.
    We met him in San Francisco first.
    He came with his family to us in Wales to help us to set up the ICS US joint Organic Certification venture here in the UK.
    We had a year of family fun, playing tennis, walking, trips out as well as working on farms, going tk meetings and setting up an office.
    We had the joy of seeing Bronwyn only hours after she was born.
    Jan worked with him closely ..learning about how to run the Organic Certification Procedure.
    We had many a discussion on many things and enjoyed walks in our lunch hours !
    He was a pleasure to be with always.
    Now his struggle is over and we hope he has laid down his Cross in a better place and is at peace.
    We love you Robert.
    Also remembering you are John and Sandra, Dave, Colin, Elizabeth and Alan.

    • Kelby Simmons Reply

      Thank you for this. It’s comforting to know he had close friends.

  4. Leah Roy Reply

    I remember Robert so fondly and am so glad to have known him. I cherish his family and send love and support to all.

  5. Vicki Pieri Reply

    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. ❣️

  6. Joshua Campbell Reply

    Sorry for your loss was one of the best guys ive meet

  7. Ken Commins Reply

    I knew Robert for many years first having met him at the New Rockford theater. We traveled internationally together a number of times. I also worked closely with him when he was coordinator of the Accredited Certification Bodies. I considered him a good friend. My favorite memories of him was the times we played a round of golf. We seemed to be trying to outdo each other in playing badly. May he rest in peace.

  8. Erin McGinnis Reply

    I met Robert years ago when he did Tecumseh! He was always goofing around to make others smile. I remember shopping in Kroger and he came across Turkey Ham and was trying to decide what sound a Turkey Ham made. It was hysterical. I am sorry for your loss. He will have a medallion in the Ghost Tree at Tecumseh for those that have passed.

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