Michael Casper "Mike" Simer

Michael Casper “Mike” Simer, affectionately known as “Pa Mike,” of Artesia, New Mexico, passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on December 8, 1949, Mike leaves behind a lifetime of love, hard work, laughter, stories, and memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Mike shared 58 years with his beloved wife, Nancy Sue Smith Simer. Nancy was the love of his life, and Mike lived each day devoted to her and to the family they built together. Taking care of the people he loved wasn’t simply something Mike did - it was who he was. Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Zach Simer and wife Jessica; his daughter, Denise Gunderson and husband Eric; his honorary daughter, Jessica Strickland; his grandchildren, Trey Craft and wife Ali, Jake Craft and wife Abby, and adopted grandson Tyrell Sims; his great-granddaughters, Maria and Ariana Craft; and his brother, Doug Simer and wife Sheila. He also leaves behind many friends, work buddies, extended family members, and others whose lives were made better simply by knowing him. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Doris Simer; his brother, Gene Simer; his sisters, Ann Gidak and Sue Dean; and his beloved granddaughter, Alex Carter. Hard work was one of Mike’s greatest passions. He began working for Kyle Electric when he was just 18 years old. He later followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened Mike’s Motor Service, which he owned and operated for several years. Mike then joined Yates Petroleum, where he spent 20 years, before going to work for Dean’s Electric. He retired in 2011 after a lifetime of doing something he truly loved - working. But retirement didn’t slow Mike down. He was always building, fixing, inventing, or figuring out how to make something work. If there was a project to tackle, a problem to solve, an adventure to take, or a “mission” to go on, Mike was ready. In his later years, Mike especially enjoyed traveling in the motor home with Nancy and his brother and sister-in-law. Those trips brought adventures, laughter, stories, and memories that his family will treasure forever. Above everything else, Mike loved his family. He treasured spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and there was very little he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. He also adored his dog Remi and all of his other “baby dogs,” who held a special place in his heart. Mike loved his friends and the work buddies he collected throughout his many years on the job. He loved visiting, reminiscing, and especially telling stories from his past. Anyone who heard one of Mike’s stories knew he might add a little extra character along the way - and that was part of what made listening to him so much fun. Mike had a heart as big as the universe. He was the kind of man who truly would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. He was generous with his time, his knowledge, his hands, and most importantly, his heart. When someone needed help, Mike showed up. He wanted to fix things, make things better, and take care of everyone around him. That desire to take care of his family stayed with Mike until the very end. He loved life, and he wasn’t ready to leave because, in his heart, there was still more to do and more people to take care of. Even while enduring tremendous pain, Mike continued to fight. He never stopped fighting until the end.

Those who loved Mike will remember a hardworking man, a storyteller, an inventor, a problem solver, an adventurer, a loyal friend, a devoted husband, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Most of all, they will remember his enormous heart. Mike spent his life taking care of everyone else. Now his work here is finished, but the love he gave, the lessons he taught, the things he built, the stories he told, and the memories he created will remain with his family forever. Pallbearers: Lance Colbert, Jody Strickland, Brad Morris, Willie Wolf, Cris Gomez, and Sage Morris. Honorary pallbearers: all of Mike’s sons-in-law, grandsons, and nephews. Services honoring Mike’s life will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Artesia, New Mexico, on Thursday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m.

Mike was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.