Born on October 23, 1936, to Richard Emil Moerer and Ida Anna (Bohling) Moerer, Margaret was one of nine children, growing up alongside her three brothers and five sisters. As the fourth child, she learned responsibility at an early age. In 1949, her family moved to a farm south of Auburn, Nebraska, where she helped care for her younger siblings and worked alongside her family on the farm. Those years shaped her servant’s heart and devotion to family that remained with her throughout her life.
On January 15, 1966, she married the love of her life, Roger Simmons. Together they built a home centered on love and faith and helping others. They raised two sons, Eric and Cory, and were blessed with grandchildren who quickly became the light of Nana’s life. She treasured every moment spent with Annalissa, Carolina, and Aiden, and took great pride in the people they were becoming. Her happiest moments were those spent surrounded by family, sharing stories, laughter, and time together. Their marriage lasted 54 years until Roger’s passing on February 2, 2020. Nana often spoke of how deeply she missed him and looked forward to the day they would be reunited.
Nana lived a life rooted in faith, kindness, service, and family. She was the kind of person who always found a way to help others, whether through her church, community, friends, or family. Her life was a reflection of the values she held dear: compassion, generosity, hard work, and love. She was active in her church, volunteered through youth organizations, supported Boy Scout programs, participated in the Optimist Club, and dedicated countless hours to serving others through her work and community involvement.
Nana loved puzzles, especially crosswords, Christian music, game shows, a good cup of coffee, warm cinnamon rolls, more than anything, she loved holidays and family gatherings. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by the people she loved.
She will be remembered for her kindness, selflessness, a servant’s heart, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Though she will be greatly missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Roger and the loved ones who went before her.
If Nana could leave us with one final message, perhaps it would be the words she wrote herself:
“As a Christian, I wanted to help others.”