Clara Simunek of Hot Springs, SD, was called home, December 20, 2008 at the age of 81.

Clara was born September 14, 1927 in Burke, SD to William and Mary Hotz. She lived and grew up in the Burke-Herrick area where she met and married Jerry R. Simunek.

The young couple moved around for a few years and finally decided to settle and raise their six children in Gregory, SD. Clara was a homemaker until her children were all in school and then she was employed by the Gregory Nursing Home until 1985 when Clara and Jerry decided to move to Hot Springs to be closer to family.

Clara took joy in her family and found strength and comfort in her faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents; a daughter, Sharon Barney; three brothers, Robert, David and William Hotz; two sisters, Marian Kacer and Loretta McKay and grandson, Grant Simunek.

Survivors include daughters, Shirley Brown and husband Larry of Omaha, NE; Cathy Aeschlimann of Hot Springs; sons, Larry Simunek of Rapid City, SD; Jerry (Mike) Simunek and wife Jan of Hot Springs; David Simunek of Hot Springs; two sisters, Frances Gould and husband Marvin of Gregory, SD; Joyce Farabee and husband Roy of Herrick, SD; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many wonderful family members and friends.

Wake services will be held 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2008 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, with Father Peter Kovarik officiating.

Interment will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.