Dear Mr.Simolke: I'm sorry for misbehaving in your class sometimes. I really miss you and hope to see you again sometime. Love Beau Mr Simolke always had nothing but praise and good thoughts for Beau who was in his combo First and Second grad class last year. At first I wasn't happy about the switch to a combo class but as the year progressed I realized what an asset Mr Simolke was and Beau learned a lot. When the school year ended he brought his lizard to Mr Simolke to see . He was so proud to be sharing his pet with Mr Simolke. When the new year started he liked his new teacher but always talked about Mr Simolke and would always wave to him. His new room was still close to Mr Simolke's. Mr Simolke's stories were wonderful and he beamed when I told him my grandson Zach had been in his class many years prior. He remembered him vividly. Thank you Mr Simolke it was a pleasure to know you. You will be missed. Cyndi Wilson

Dear Simolke family, I was only in your neat, tidy home for a few minutes, but while I was there, I was so touched with how much joy and enthusiasm Mr. Simolke had for the beauty of Art. I was encouraged and uplifted myself, just seeing how much he enjoyed showing me those various creative works, furniture, sculpture, the exquisite collection of devotional crosses. I felt so blessed to be allowed to meet your darling dogs and cats and selves, a home full of energy and interest. Thank you. As always, you are in my prayers in this sad time.

My fondest memories of David were when we taught second grade at Record Elementary. For six years; David, Carolyn, and I were part of the second grade team. During those six years several other teachers were part of our second grade team. Nancy, Alma, Jessica, Janaye, and Lin were all part of the team at some time during those six year. During the sixth year David, Carolyn, Alma, Lin, and I shared our students for three subjects. We leveled our students to best help them with reading, writing, math, and ELD skills. The students also had a chance to experience science, social studies, computers, and art. We called all the second grade students "our students", because the five teachers worked with all the students. We met after school every day to discuss out students and to share teaching ideas. David always had great ideas. Steve always joked that he knew where to find me, in the middle room of our pod with the second grade team. He was always enthusiastic about teaching. He was so excited when one of his students achieved a goal. David was very passionate about teaching. He was a very caring teacher. It was an honor to have taught with David.

I know that my boys and I wish Mr. Simolke was still with us to share his wonderful stories of his family, stories of where he used to work and different places he visited and always with a smile and a laugh. He was always there with an encouraging word no matter what the situation; he always made time to listen. He was a wonderful teacher - he truly cared about the kids and he could remember all their names. One of my favorite memories was watching him with the kids at parent pick-up after school - they just flocked to him. He'd say goodbye and pat them on their heads, you could really see that he enjoyed being a teacher. We will truly miss you and never forget your kindness - it is very hard to say goodbye. Bryce, Garrett, & Adrianna Prodzinski

Dear,Mr.Simolke you were the best 2nd grade teacher I could ever have.All though you were strict I never thought you were strict.And Mrs.Simolke don't worry about a thing Mr.Simolke will always be with you it doesn't matter where you are or what you do.He will always love you. Sincerly,Molly

Judy and all the family, I wish I could have been there for you today but you are in my prayers. Please know I love you and miss you and, although miles separate us, memories of you and David close the distance and will always be held dear in my heart. Hopefully we'll make it back out there to live soon and we can close that gap.

our condolence for mr simolke family ,he was a great person and teacher he make a diference in our boy we never going to forget him ,GOD BLESS YOU ..... sincerely Villarreal Family

Our family was saddened by the loss of Mr. Simolke. Our thoughts and love is with his family. My Son Zach was in his 2nd grade class and Mr. Simolke remains his favorite teacher, Zach is now in 9th grade. he was a dedicated and caring teacher. Mr. Simokle started Zach tutoring other students and he has continued to build on those skills and truly helped Zach begin a successful journey through school. He will be missed.

Mike and I were so sorry to hear about David. We always loved spending time with both of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Barby and Mike

Mr Simolke will be misse greatly. Our daughter Betty was in his class last year and she just loved him and always wanted to go to school.He helped her excel in her reading and math and was always positive with her. Our daughter Elena was in his class this year. When we found out when Mr. Simolke was going to be her teacher we were more than excited. Elena would come home eager to do her homework and turn it in early. He had such great passion for his class. You could tell he was one of those special teachers who was truly their for the children and made sure every one of them did their best. He will be missed by all. Forever in our hearts.

I worked with David at San Jacinto Elementary and at then at Record. David was just an amazing person. He was always someone I could talk to and always had so much to say and share. I never grew tired of listening to his wonderful stories. He also knew how to do so many things. If I needed help about anything at all, he was the one I would seek out. I worked very closely with him on a Bilingual Training for the district. It was a huge task to present to all the teachers and his knowledge on teaching 2nd language learners was amazing. I will never forget working on this project with David. He is the kind of person that you think will always be there forever. He will be in our hearts forever. I can just close my eyes and see him walking with a little bounce in his step and excitement in his eyes as he almost daily shared with my how great his kids were reading. And he was so proud that he was able to help the most challenging kids to succeed in school. He will be missed by many.

We will miss you David! Your dedication and support to our students and school community have left lasting footprints. Thank you for your many years of service.

Mr. Simolke was a great teacher and friend to his students. We had the pleasure to have him teach 2 of our 4 children. He really care for his students learning. Mr. Simolke will be great missed by us. You will always be in hearts and prayers. Terry Scillion, Terra Scillion, Terry II Scillion, Brandon Scillion, Ethan Scillion, Mark Neuroth.

On behalf of my family I would like to express our deepest condolences to the entire Simolke family. We hope you can find some comfort in knowing how incredibly grateful we are that our daughter was able to have Mr. Simolke as her teacher this year. We went in to meet him prior to the beginning of the school year and we could tell immediately that he was a kind and caring man. It was obvious that he loved teaching and was truly dedicated to each child’s individual education. Mr. Simolke went above and beyond what was expected of him as a teacher, and we are so thankful for his efforts. He made a difference in the lives of the children that were fortunate enough to have been in his class, and we are truly sorry that children will no longer have the opportunity to learn from one of the best teachers we have ever met. We spent a lot of time in the classroom after school with Mr. Simolke discussing my daughter. He would trade books, methods, and web sites with us so we could help support her with her studies. The information he passed on to us was invaluable, and because of him our daughter has thrived. Mr. Simolke’s passion for teaching was so amazing to experience, we are so glad to have had the opportunity to witness it first hand. Mr. Simolke spoke often about his family, always with love, and through these stories we got to know him. These wonderful family stories inspired me to express my family’s love for him with the hope that his family may know how much of an impact he had on our lives in the same way we could tell you had on him. My daughter Kate adored him and we are so thankful for the time she had with Mr. “Smokey.�

To the Simolke Family, I am so sorry for your loss. David was a dedicated teacher and a wonderful colleague. He brought boundless enthusiasm and support to the students he served. Every time we crossed paths, he had a smile on his face and a story to share about his kids' successes. He will always be remembered fondly and missed deeply.

Thank you David for your humor, your wit and your support. We always thought of you as a member of our family. You will live in our hearts forever.

I want to send my prayers and thoughts to your family and share that Mr. Simolke touched his students and children very much. My son Aidan is a special needs student who would mainstream in his class for 45 minutes each day during reading time. Aidan called him "MR.Smokey", he could not pronounce his name, but he would tell me about all the animals and the songs in Mr. Smokey's class. Aidan knows who likes hima nd who he likes and he definitely liked Mr. Smokey. I have to say I could see and feel his passion for teaching and what a wonderful teacher he was when at Back to school night he took time to talk to many parents who lined up in his room, including myself. He only had my child a brief part of the day but he took the time to interact with Aidan and show me what he did in his class with him. His time with my child will always be remembered and appreciated. He will be missed!

My daughter always had a smile talking about Mr. Simolke. Just this past Sunday, she began to read the Bible and started to read John 1:1. She was so excited and wanted to read this verse to Mr. Simolke, who always encouraged her reading. It was with much sadness, that I shared the news with her, but she knows Mr. Simolke was already listening to her reading the verse on that day.

Judy, and David's family, I wish there were words that could express the sorrow that is in my heart. David was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. His love of color and life were amazing. He truly loved his family and his students. Hy heart and prayers go out to you. May God's love and peace surround you. Venus

our thoughts and prayers go out to mr.simolkes family <3...it was great pleasure to have met u MR.SIMOLKE..my daughter jacqueline lizarde was in your first grade class this year..and all she would talk about everyday after school was that she had such a great day in class and she would say mom i really like mr.simolke he is the best..my son steven also had the pleasure in having u as a tutor last year..he really enjoyed u also.. u will truely be missed but never forgotten...

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I didn't know David very well, but met him a few times at the DO for trainings, etc. He was a funny man and my prayers are with you all during this extremely difficult time. God bless you all.

Judy, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of a man who obviously meant so much to so many people I care about. I will be sending my love and prayers your way. Your family, even your long lost relatives, loves you and cares about you. Steve

David I don't know what to say except that I am so thankful I got to see you Friday evening even if just for a brief moment, one last hug and smile! I know the father, husband and grandfather you were in that house so much that you were even there for me so many times, like a father during the most important times of my life. Right when I walked back into your lives, God plucked you out and it will never make sense. But I love you and your family and I always will.

This Life is but a reflection and a shadow of the things that we have endured, laughed, cried, loved, and now look forward to In Heaven, Standing in Gods Presence and Having no more tears and sorrow, But seeing Him face to face and really knowing Gods Love and Grace. Our Heartfelt Love towards Davids Family during their Grief at this time. There is a scripture that says the tears of the saints, are put in a bottle to be forever remembered by God. That's How precious we are in Gods sight. Even though David is Gone from His Earthly bonds, He remains in our Heart and in our Memories. Love and our prayers. Cliff and Sharon Jones

First I would like to let David's family know there are a lot of people down here in the valley who will miss David and are sending prayers and good thoughts your way. The neat thing about David was he made friends with everyone. I worked with David at SJE and Record and saw this often. If he didn't know you he made it a point to get to know you and talk with you. I have fond memories of those talks, in the staff lounge, Fridays at Acapulco's, and hanging out with David and his grandson and my daughter at the Storm games in the kids zone. He will be missed. Hugs, to friends and family. May you be comforted at this difficult time. Madeline :-)

First, I am very sorry to hear of the passing of David and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I worked with David for several years at Record and it was a pleasure seeing him every week in the library and witnessing his interactions with all his students. He always made a point to ask each student what book they had found and share a funny little story with them or myself and his students just loved that. While eating lunch with him in the staff lounge he always had a funny story about his cats and his grandson, Trent who he loved very much. Another memory I have is he would always comment on all my jewelry and tell me about all the jewelry his wife had or a special story about the piece of jewelry he was going to buy Judy. He was a wonderful storyteller, teacher, and co-worker and will be greatly missed.

I remember David at different workshops and trainings over the years. Although I never had the privilege of working with him at a particular site, I do, however, remember him as a pleasant and upbeat fellow. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and close colleagues during this time. Sandy Kunz