Richard Eugene Sims

Richard “Dick” Eugene Sims was born January 6, 1946, in Jefferson, IA, to Elmer and Zelia (O’Neill) Sims. He was one of 8 children born into the family. He grew up in various places throughout Green County, IA, but dropped out of school working various jobs until joining the Army as a teen, where he served as a tank driver and then in helicopter aviation. He was stationed in Germany, where he met his first wife, Margit, and married her on May 11, 1967 in Kronach, Germany. Born into this union was a daughter, Leslie and son, Anthony.

Dick served 3 tours in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner, and then throughout the Cold War. The family traveled back and forth between Germany and the US, until he retired in 1986 with the family, in Grand Junction, IA. He retired as an E7 SRC after 22 years of service with the US Army. He then held jobs as a mechanic and truck driver until his complete retirement in June 2023.

He was widowed in 1999, and married Tonja Hoffman on December 30, 2005, in Boone, IA.

Dick was a well-loved, well-respected man. He would crack silly jokes, hang out at Don’s Auto and chat with him, liked to watch drag racing, NASCAR, and loved sweet treats. There are many fun and silly memories made with his kids and extended family and friends.

Dick passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside on January 26, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, IA.

He is survived by his wife, Tonja of Grand Junction, IA, daughter, Leslie Sims of Grimes, IA, son Anthony (Mandy) Sims of Dana, IA, 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 4 siblings, multiple nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

He will be greatly missed.  A burial with military honors will take place at a later date in the Junction Township Cemetery in Grand Junction, Iowa.