Karen Shomer, age 62, passed away April 18, 2012, at her home in Hot Springs, SD.

Karen was born July 18, 1949, in Gregory, South Dakota to Kenneth F. and Gladys L. (Liegl) King. She graduated from Gregory High School in 1967. She attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, and earned her BS degree in 1980. Karen continued her education receiving her Master's degree from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, in 1997.

Karen worked as a Social Worker for the State of South Dakota for 16 years and for the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs for 15 years. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and the POW/MIA Recognition Day, and was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, SD. Karen enjoyed reading, visiting friends, being a tour guide in the hills and gardening.

Wake services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer with Fr. Peter Kovarik officiating.

Survivors include her daughter, Tonya Shomer of Hot Springs; mother, Gladys King of Custer, SD; brothers, Raymond (Laurie) King of Morganton, NC; Ronald King of Fruita, CO, and sister, Katherine (Alvin) Hannahs of Gregory, SD.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth King, and infant brother, Kenneth King.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Karen's name may be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or to the American Red Cross.

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