Floyd Vincent Simunek, age 80, of Hot Springs, SD, saddled up and rode off into the sunset January 13, 2009. Floyd was together with his family at his home in Hot Springs when the Lord summoned him to help lead His flock, riding off peacefully into heaven.

Floyd was born May 18th, 1928, in Hamill, SD to Ralph and Anna Simunek. He grew up and attended schools in the Hamill, SD area and it was there while working with his father on local gardens and fixing their equipment where his love for farming and ranching grew. Floyd moved to the Gregory area and continued his agricultural work custom combining in the Burke and Gregory areas. It was there where he met the love of his life Darlene Rezac. They were married April 19th, 1952 and shortly thereafter moved to Colome, SD to start their family farm and ranch. The family grew nearly as fast as the family business, with 11 children coming along throughout the years. 28 years later, Floyd decided to move the family to the hills he loved so much, settling in the Hot Brook Canyon area of Hot Springs. Farming and ranching remained in his blood and they continued to run the family businesses on a farm near Buffalo Gap. He retired from the working farm in 1986, but continued his love of gardening 'up the canyon' for several years to come.

Floyd was active in the Civilian Conservation Corps while in the Colome and Burke area, and was awarded regularly for his conservation work. He was also a member of the Black Angus Association and showed his stock at the Black Hills Stock Show for many years. He was also a devoted member of the Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus for several years.

Floyd loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed inventing and creating things, many of which he implemented into his work. If some device was needed to get a job done, Floyd put one together and made it all work. Floyd also loved his horses and all things Western, and was famous for his team of horses and the hay rides and sleigh rides at all the family holiday gatherings. Ever the entrepreneur, Floyd started a campground, pawn shop, and developed several subdivisions so others could have their slice of heaven and enjoy the beauty of the hills.

Floyd will be remembered by all who met him as one of the kindest, most gentle men they have ever met, and will be forever missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom he loved so deeply.

Grateful for having shared his life, Floyd is survived by his wife, Darlene of Hot Springs; ten children, Belinda (Jack) Gunvohrdahl of Burke, SD; Steve (Carla) Simunek of Hot Springs; Diane Harris of Orlando, FL; Perry (Patty) Simunek of Gillette, WY; Sandy (George) Portz of Pierre, SD; Kelly (Diane) Simunek of Hot Springs; Marcia (Mark) Kazmer of Spearfish, SD; Scott (Keri) Simunek of Orlando, FL; Lori Simunek (Tim Stevenson) of North Hollywood, CA; Floyd Jr."Chris" (Kelly M.) Simunek of Hot Springs; four sisters, Margaret Spinar of Rapid City, SD; Mary Berry of San Clemente, CA; Bernadine Forsythe of Los Angeles, CA; Delores Davis of San Juan Capistrano, CA; seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Tammi, 2 brothers, Jerry and Ralph, and a sister, Eleanor Kling.
Wake services will be held 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Father Peter Kovarik officiating.
Following a horse drawn funeral procession, Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.
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.