Waltraud "Wallie" Simmons

Waltraud "Wallie" Simmons, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 79. Wallie was born on February 10, 1947, in Wiesbaden, Germany, to Wilhelm Grūger and Else Hammish, who have preceded her in passing.

She survived by her children, Brenda Lee Burfeind (Steve), Andrew Henkel (Lillee), and Roman Henkel; her grandchildren, Harli Burfeind, Carl (Miranda) Burfeind, Austyn (Myranda Schuler) Burfeind, Devlyn Henkel, Greg (Ally) Melkert, and Courtney (Brandon Houska) Melkert; her great-grandchildren, Bella, Alexis and Steven Murphy, and Ryker and Pyper Burfeind. She is also survived by her brother, Dieter Grūger (Ilona); her favorite cousin, Ingrid (Reiner) Hund and son; many nieces and nephews; and her cat Tillie. Her family believes she was met at the “Pearly Gates” not only by her parents and those she loved and lost before but also her cat, Reggie!

Although she was born and raised in Germany, she made her life in America since 1983. She was more American but remained a spicy German lady. She lived most of her adult life in St. Cloud, MN and she moved to Moorhead in 2017 and lived at Eventide Fairmount, and most recently Eventide Linden. She made many friends there. Every afternoon she joined a group that called themselves “the Bullpen” and they shared stories and laughs and ideas. Wallie was the comedian of the group. She took great pride in being a part of this and would laugh as she told us they solved the world’s problems. She had a handful of CNAs that were without their mothers, and she enjoyed being that guiding adoptive role to them.

Wallie retired from Walmart and worked for Kmart before that. She always told stories of her job there and how she would try to lift the spirits of every single person that came through her line. She also provided daycare. She was known to include her daycare children on vacation as if they were her own. Her children often joked that she loved those kids more than them. A few of those daycare children stayed in touch with Wallie to this day, which is a testament to the impact she left on their lives.

She never missed a trip on the Tuesday bus to Walmart! This was often the highlight of her week! She would also look for any excuse to scam her family into a ride to the Dollar Tree! Thrift Store shopping was her favorite and she could out shop anyone! She looked forward to the trips her daughter would make to Moorhead so they could go Thrift shopping together and make a day of it. Always she was with a cup of coffee, and it didn’t matter if it was cold or hot. She drank coffee all day every day and she loved it!

Wallie was known for her German cooking. We will miss her Schnitzel, Cabbage Rolls, and her German Potato Salad! Memories of Noodles and Eggs make everyone smile. She often dreamed aloud about opening a cozy diner named Oma’s Kuche (Grandma’s Kitchen).

Wallie had an innate talent for crafting, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary with her skilled hands and imaginative spirit. She was a woman who could make something special out of nothing, leaving behind cherished mementos that will be treasured by those who knew her.

Her crazy shenanigans and comedic timing could make anyone laugh, ensuring that those around her never had a dull moment. Since she has passed the most common message the family has received is Wallie was “One of a Kind!”

A private family gathering will be held later to honor Wallie’s final wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Wallie's generous spirit by sharing a laugh with someone in need of cheer, cooking a dish that brings people together, or crafting something beautiful out of nothing.