John Elmer Simko (87) passed away on June 6, 2026, at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home (Southside Location) 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Augustana University, Chapel of Reconciliation, 2125 S. Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. A private family burial is being planned.

John was born on February 10, 1939, to John and Ella Simko and was a lifelong resident of Sioux Falls.

He graduated from Washington High School in 1957 and from Augustana College in 1961, later earning his Master of Education and Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota. He was a gifted multi-sport athlete, excelling in tennis, football, basketball, and track. He was honored to be inducted into both the Augustana Athletics Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.

John married Julianne Bails in 1965 and had three sons who were raised in Sioux Falls.

In 1991, John married Mary Susan Eitreim in Sioux Falls, who also had three sons.

John spent more than three decades practicing law in Sioux Falls, In 2000, he was appointed the first full time U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of South Dakota. Of the many responsibilities carried as a judge, one of his favorites was presiding over naturalization ceremonies welcoming new citizens.

John loved South Dakota and knew it well. He preferred driving to flying and happily put thousands of miles on his car each year taking photos of wooden barns, birds, and prairie scenes that caught his keen eye. He treasured annual gatherings with the Boys of '57, golfing each spring with his 'Arizona Angels,' and cheering on Augustana with his closest friends and former teammates.

John's family and friends appreciated his welcoming smile, honorable spirit, and generous heart. He loved spending time at Eagle Lake in Minnesota and attending events to see grandchildren near and far. John was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents John and Ella, and his brother Wendell.

Grateful for having shared his life are his sons, J.B. (Kris) Simko of McLean, VA, Jamie (Susie) Simko of Sioux Falls, and Josh Simko of Portland, Oregon; his stepsons, Christopher (Robbin) Nelson of Sioux Falls, Matthew (Carrie) Nelson of Wausa, Nebraska, and JT Nelson of Sioux Falls; Seventeen grandchildren: Ella, Ava and Sofia Simko (JB); Kate, Joe and TJ Simko (Jamie) and Eden and Paul Simko (Josh); Alex, Keeghan, Kailey, Mason Nelson (Chris) Ashby, Ainsley, Abrielle, Alijah Nelson (Matthew), and Anika Nelson (JT).

John's family is extremely grateful to his dear friends for their regular visits and endless love and support. The family also extends a special thank you to Joan Reisdorfer, Patti Reisdorfer, and the wonderful people at Avera Dougherty House, who provided companionship and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages support of The Mary Susan Simko Vocal Music Scholarship at Augustana (administered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation) or a charity of your choice.