George Simonka

George Simonka was born December 2, 1924 in Roebling, New Jersey to Demeter and Florence Simonka. At 17 he enlisted in the Seabees and then transferred to the Navy during WWII where he served in the South Pacific. He married June Reischke in 1950 and worked at the Union Gospel Mission in Bellingham, Washington until moving to Salem in 1953. George was the director of the Union Gospel Mission for 37 years, during which time he helped open the Simonka Place and he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. He retired in 1989, but he remained influential in the community and enriched the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, his son, his wife June, and by his daughter Betty. He is survived by his daughters and son in laws; Kathy (Bill) Anderson and Becky (Randy) Burke, 3 granddaughters; Kim (Curtis), Kristin (Bran), and Amanda along with five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of George’s life will be held on Friday, July 21, at 1:00pm at the Salem First Baptist Church. Private burial will be at City View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Simonka Place, 5119 River Rd, Keizer, OR 97303 or to UGM. Services under the direction of Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.

Arrangements under the direction of Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, Salem, Oregon.