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.
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.
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.
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
