Grady Ryan Simants

Grady Ryan Simants, 14, of North Platte, passed away to his heavenly home on April 21, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family. Grady was born on April 18, 2008, in North Platte, the firstborn son of Jodi Rief Simants and Bill Simants. He attended McDonald Elementary School, Madison Middle School and was currently enrolled in the seventh 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 Feb. 18, 2020. He loved sports along with his dad and brother and was the No. 1 fan of Omaha's Finest softball team. Grady lived life to the fullest and ran his race with great strength, bravery and perseverance. Preceding him in death were his maternal grandfathers, Larry Rief and Larry Kirsch. 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 (Tyler) Vigil; uncles, Brian Rief, Jeff Smith and Michael (Lauren) Butler, all of North Platte; special friends, Jeremy and Kira Kautz and their sons; and many family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated for a scholarship in Grady's name. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. A celebration of Grady's life will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 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 is from noon to 7 p.m., with family present 5-7 p.m., Monday, April 25, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with arrangements.