TRAVERSE CITY — Louis "Bryan" Simsa, 73, of Traverse City, died Aug. 5, 2011, at Cherry Hill Haven. Bryan was born on May 10, 1938, in Monroe Center to the late Edward and Rose (Michels) Simsa. After graduating from high school, Bryan joined the United States Army. He faithfully served his country for two years. Upon returning from the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Kreiser, on Sept. 1, 1960. Bryan attended Northwestern Michigan College for two years, before attending Michigan State University. In 1965, Bryan graduated with high honors from MSU with a bachelor's degree in Economics. He and Yvonne moved to Traverse City and, after going into Traverse City State Bank to open an account, he walked out with a job interview that led to his first position as a teller. In 1972, Bryan graduated from the Program for Management Development from Harvard University. In 1978, after several promotions, he became president of the bank, which at that time was known as Old Kent Bank. In 1985, he retired to reassess his personal goals pursuing his interest in real estate and oil and gas developments.In his spare time, Bryan enjoyed golfing, downhill skiing and snowmobiling. He was an avid reader and enjoyed historical references, biographies, spy novels and anything about the Civil War. Bryan was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Osteopathic Hospital as well as a board member for Munson Medical Center. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Traverse City. Bryan is survived by his wife Yvonne; his sons Jeff (Teresa) and Greg (Kay); grandchildren Michael, Allison, Megan, Dean, Chase and Kristen; brothers Rod and Royce; and sisters Rodetta Harrand and Colleen Simsa.Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Bryan's life will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Graveside services will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens where he will receive military honors from the VFW Cherryland Post #2780. Memorial contributions in honor of Bryan may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Schools or to the Grand Traverse Area Parkinson's Support Group. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.