The Fighting Simmons Went to War for America

by Jeff Olsen

What a legacy, and it all started with Raymond (Ray) Simmons, born in Badger, Minnesota, in 1895.

He fought as a Doughboy in the trenches in France during World War I. He was also a charter member of the Roseau American Legion in 1919.

Only his grandkids and great-grandchildren are left to tell the stories.

Ray's sons grew to manhood on Randen Ridge in Marshall County just south of the Roseau County line.

All but one of the Fighting Simmons brothers are dead. Only Roger, an old salt who served in the Navy during World War II, is still alive.

He's a 1924 model.

In fact, all five o...