Earl James Simmelink, age 95 of Baldwin, passed away peacefully with his Bible at his side on March 19, 2016 at Birch Haven Assisted Living.  Earl was born December 5, 1920 at the family farmstead in Baldwin Township to Harry and Jenny Vos Simmelink.  He graduated from Baldwin High School, class of 1938.  Earl loved the land, and farmed all of his life, especially proud of his organic production.  Earl lived a simple life, always showing kindness to those around him, and was a faithful servant of the Lord.  Most important to him was his faith.  He proudly served as a Gideon for many years, taught Sunday school, and also served with prison ministries.  He had fond memories of his travels to Alaska visiting family.  
 
Earl’s devoted faith and gentle spirit will be missed by his nephew, Daniel Sims and wife Janet of Richmond, IN; cousin, Francis Dees of Baldwin; special friends, Rollie and Peggy Smith of Baldwin; and many distant relatives, friends, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Simmelink Sims; and brother-in-law, Elson Sims.
 
Funeral services for Earl will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at the First Reformed Church, 1120 Eleventh Ave., Baldwin.  A visitation will take place from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at church on Wednesday.  Interment will take place at the Baldwin Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to the Gideon’s International or Birch Haven Assisted Living.  A special thanks to the caring staff of Birch Haven Assisted Living for their exceptional care of Earl. Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434