John Simecka

St. Marys-John L. Simecka, 94, passed away Tuesday March 3, 2015 at the St. Marys Manor. He was born October 7, 1920 at Delia, the son of John S. and Henrietta "Nettie" Scheidegger Simecka. John grew up in the Delia community and graduated from Delia High School in 1938. He served in the United States Army in the 195th Field Artillery Group in Europe with General Patton. He lived in the Delia & Rossville communities before moving to St. Marys in 1957. He and his wife Florence owned and operated Simecka Hy-Klas Grocery Store in St. Marys from 59' until 82'. John was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys and a 50 year member of Knights of Columbus Council No 657. He was also a charter member of Jimmie Lillard Post No 31 of the American Legion in Rossville. On November 26, 1942 he was united in marriage to Florence M. Wehner at Salinas, CA. She died September 20, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, Henry, Stephen, William, James, Robert and Frank; two sisters, Dora Immenschuh and Grace Horack and two granddaughters, Wendi Cushing and Jennifer Simecka. Survivors include two sons, John R. (Paulette) Simecka, St. Marys and Gary (Pam) Simecka, Midland, TX; three daughters, Linda Tuller, Topeka, Shirley (Willie) Mergenmeier and Denise (Scott) Cushing all of St. Marys; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys. Mr. Simecka will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 6, 2015 at Piper Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until the Prayer Vigil at 7:30 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Manor Bus Fund or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Endowment Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.