It has been 22 years since dad left us, now mom has gone home to be with him. Virginia Klunder peacefully passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the David Dorsett Health Care Center in Spearfish.

Virginia was born October 15, 1932, in Fulton, South Dakota, to Nora and Wilhelm "Bill" Hargens. Under the eastern South Dakota sun she grew up as a farmer's child and in high school enjoyed competitive sports, cheerleading and socializing with her many friends. Her brother, Marvin Hargens said she was a very well liked and popular person.

When Virginia was 18 years old she met the love of her life, Leland Edward Klunder. They were married in a small ceremony in Luverne, Minnesota on February 19, 1951. Within a few years the couple moved to the Black Hills to raise their family in the comfort of a loving home.

Virginia worked hard all of her life. She started as a night shift cook at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Deadwood. While there, and under the mentorship of Velmabelle Cornford, became a certified dietician. She worked for the hospital for many years and retired as the Director of Food Services.

Family and fun were always the most important part of Virginia's life. During winter months the Klunders spent their spare time riding snow machines and during the summer months the family went camping and fishing. Time was always found to be a part of a mixed bowling league and enjoy the company of many friends. Evening past time included crocheting blankets for each grandchild and making numerous kitchen towels, but her favorite activity was ceramics which produced many Christmas gifts.

She is survived by her children, Marty (Russ) Miracle, Phoenix AZ; Ken (Deb) Klunder, Palmer, AK; Kevin (Bonnie) Klunder, Spearfish, SD; Kathy (Kim) Culver, Spearfish, SD; Karla (Harry) Brist, Little Rock, AR; Kurt (Nancy) Klunder, Black Hawk, SD; grandchildren Rebecca (Kevin) Henderson, Phoenix, AZ; Andrew (Traci) Grgich, Phoenix, AZ; Tobi (Kevin) Edmonds, Palmer, AK; Amanda (David) Adams, Anchorage, AK; Kristopher and Kyler Klunder, Spearfish, SD; Kassondra Culver, Sturgis, SD; Kjay Culver, Spearfish, SD; LeiAnn Brist and Aaron Brist, Little Rock, AR; Anthoney Klunder, Vermillion, SD; Andrew Klunder, Rapid City, SD; and great grandchildren Daisy and Nova Edmonds, Palmer, AK; Ella and Zachary Grgich, Phoenix, AZ and Aurorah Redinger, Sturgis, SD; brother, Marvin (Nancy) Hargens, Rapid City, SD.

Mrs. Klunder was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lee and her parents.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of the Northern Hills and for outdoor seating at the David M Dorsett Nursing Home, condolences may be sent to 625 Nellie, Spearfish, SD 57783.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM, Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Spearfish, with burial following at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.

Online condolences may be written to www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.