Grady Ryan Simants, 14, of North Platte, NE passed away to his heavenly home on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Grady was born on April 18, 2008 in North Platte, the first born son of Jodi Rief Simants and Bill Simants. He attended McDonald Elementary School, Madison Middle School and was currently enrolled in the 7th grade at Adams Middle School in North Platte. Grady was a lifelong fan of the firefighting and police professions and especially loved firetrucks. He was recently made an honorary member of the North Platte Fire Department. He was also a fan like most boys his age of the Incredible Hulk and trains. Grady was a proud Cub Scout who received his “Arrow of Light” badge on February 18, 2020. He loved sports along with his Dad and brother, and was the #1 fan of the Omaha’s Finest softball team. Grady lived life to the fullest and ran his race with great strength, bravery and perseverance.
Those left to cherish Grady’s memory are his parents, Jodi and Bill; brother, Koby Simants; maternal grandmother, Diane Sandberg Kirsch of North Platte; paternal grandmother, Joyce Simants Butler of North Platte; aunt, Linda Vigil (Tyler); uncles, Brian Rief, Jeff Smith and Michael Butler (Lauren) all of North Platte; special friends, Jeremy and Kira Kautz and sons; and many family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his maternal grandfathers, Larry Rief and Larry Kirsch.
A Celebration of Grady’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at the North Platte Berean Church with Pastor John Stone officiating. The family encourages all to wear “Grady’s Avengers” attire for the service. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Monday, April 25th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated for a scholarship set up in Grady’s name. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.