Christy-Smith Funeral Homes

06/01/2026

Have you considered leaving written words for your family to treasure?

Maybe it's a letter tucked in a jewelry box, a journal they'll discover later, or even a few heartfelt lines written on a card. Your words, in your handwriting, become keepsakes your family will hold onto for years to come.

You could start with something simple like "I want you to know..." and just let your personality shine through. Don't worry about making it perfect or profound. What they'll cherish most is hearing from you, exactly as you are.

What would you want them to remember about how much they mean to you?

05/31/2026

Children will surprise you with their questions about the funeral service - some ask about the flowers, others wonder if you're going to die too. Keep answering them as they come, even when you feel unprepared. Their feelings will shift from sad to curious to angry, sometimes all in one conversation, which is completely normal. We're here to help your family navigate these talks together.

05/29/2026

Nicholas "Nick" James McGrory

Nicholas “Nick” James McGrory, also known as Hong S. Woo, 39, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, while living in Los Angeles, California. He was cremated in California.

A family run Celebration of Life will be held at his mother’s home in Sioux City on June 6, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The funeral home is not involved with the service.

Nick was born in South Korea on August 23, 1986, and was adopted when he was 7 months old by Patti McGrory and Mike McGrory. He grew up in the Morningside area and graduated from East High School. He attended college at USD for a couple of years. Nick worked in the computer field for a number of years.

Nick enjoyed working on websites and was very good with computers.

In his thirties, he was diagnosed with a serious mental health problem.

Nick is survived by his mom, Patti McGrory; sister, Heather (Andy) Volesky of Clive, Iowa; a niece, 2 nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and a lot of friends.

View Nicholas "Nick" James McGrory's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

Aaron Deloss Peterson

Aaron Deloss Peterson, 86, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, 1801 Morningside Ave, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in Sunset View Cemetery in Wasta, Iowa.

Aaron was born on January 28, 1940, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Maurice Peterson and Shirley (Hollenbeck) Peterson. He joined the military in 1960, where he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp until his honorable discharge in 1964.

He was united in marriage to Rose Ann Kelley on June 28, 1964, in Camp Pendleton, California. They resided in Storm Lake until moving to Sioux City in 1998.

Aaron received an associate's degree in electrical engineering and worked as substation manager at IPS (later re-named MidAmerican Energy) for 30 years until his retirement in 1995.

Aaron is survived by his son, Scott (Mindy) Peterson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his daughter, April (Kevin) Dwyer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his granddaughter, Sierra (Alec) Kestel of Cedar Rapids; his brother, Maurice Peterson; and his sisters, Marcia Peterson, Sheila Booth, and Sandra (Eugene) Schwickerath. Aaron is preceded in death by his wife, Rose, and his parents.

View Aaron Deloss Peterson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

"What clothing will our loved one wear during cremation?" Your loved one wears whatever you choose.

Families often select favorite or meaningful clothing that reflects personality. Those clothes go with them for cremation. When a family doesn't have clothing in mind, we dress your loved one in a simple garment. The choice belongs to you, and we’ll guide you through it.

05/28/2026

Mary Alice Golden

Mary Alice Golden, 93, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, in Sioux City.

Mary was born on August 20, 1932, in Pasadena, California, to George and Dixie (Scott) Schaub. She grew up with a strong sense of faith, kindness, and compassion that would define the rest of her life.

Mary married the love of her life, Ruskin William Golden, who preceded her in death in 2021. As a proud Navy wife, Mary devoted herself to caring for her family and creating a loving home wherever life took them. Throughout the years, the family lived on naval bases in San Diego, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii. After Rus retired from the United States Navy, they made their home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, later Madison, Wisconsin, and eventually Sioux City, Iowa.

Mary was a devoted homemaker throughout her marriage and took great pride in caring for her family. She never met a stranger and had a gift for making others feel welcome and loved. Known as a faithful prayer warrior, she touched countless lives with her encouragement, compassion, and unwavering faith. Mary also enjoyed knitting and dedicated 18 years of volunteer service at Baptist Camp Baldwin in Alabama, where she and Rus faithfully served others with joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Dixie Schaub; her brothers, George Schaub and Robert Schaub; and her husband, Ruskin W. Golden.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Christine Macarter of San Bernardino, California; James Golden of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Michelle Golden of Helena, Montana; and Ruskin (Dawn) Golden of Eudora, Kansas; as well as 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A family run Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Morningside Baptist Church. Live stream will be available on the Morningside Baptist Church's YouTube page. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served following the service. The funeral home will not be involved with the service.

Mary’s warmth, faith, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Morningside Baptist Church

2841 S. Olive St.

Sioux City, IA 51106

View Mary Alice Golden's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

Mary Louise Fennell

Mary Lou Fennell, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by love. She was 72. Visitation with the family will be Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM. Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church (3939 Cheyenne Blvd, Sioux City).

Mary Lou was born in Sioux City to Thomas Fennell and Irene (Dougherty) Fennell. She attended Blessed Sacrament School until the family moved to Huron, South Dakota. After a few years there, they landed in Omaha, Nebraska. Then the family finally settled in Pierre, South Dakota, when she was in high school. She graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in 1973. She married Kirby Hedman in 1976; they went on to have two daughters, Elizabeth and Alisha. After their divorce, Mary Lou moved her and the girls to Madison, South Dakota, where she enrolled in classes at Dakota State University. She graduated in 1992, the first of her siblings to do so, and moved back to Pierre where she began working at St. Mary’s Hospital. She remained there until 1997, when she returned to Sioux City to help support her dad, Tom, after the passing of her mom, Irene. She had a long career at Mercy Medical Center, where she formed strong relationships with great coworkers.

Mary Lou loved her family fiercely, especially her grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she loved spending time with them and cheering them on. Her friends and family were everything to her. She loved traveling, as long as it was to see loved ones – always ready for a good time. She was everyone’s favorite aunt, making those around her feel special. She had some wonderful family vacations to Tom and Tracy’s cabin in Colorado. She finally saw the Grand Canyon, through a trip organized by Alisha. Mom’s greatest gift was her ability to love people unconditionally, which we will all be eternally grateful for experiencing. The impact she had on the people around her is evident in her long-lasting friendships; from her year in Omaha making lifelong bonds, her Pierre High Schools friends, her Hayes farmwife friends, the apartment family and her Divorce Mafia group from Madison, her Condo Crew, her Girls’ Weekend, and many others. She had an incredible village who loved her as fiercely as she loved them.

Grateful having shared her life are her two daughters, Elizabeth Walz (Mark) of Sioux City and Alisha Bernardy (Luke) of Terrill, Iowa; grandchildren, Emma, Elliot, and Ethan Walz; Quinn, Deacon, Owen, and Kyran Bernardy; sisters, Maureen Shepherd (Ray) of Brookings, South Dakota, and Micki Ritter (Dave) of Vail, Arizona; brother, TJ Fennell (Luisa) of Sioux City; nephews, Todd Meyers (Dawn), Brian Schwanz, Chris Shepherd (Heidi), Andy Meyers (Kayleen), Tom Meyers (Tracy), and Devin O’Day (Brittany); nieces, Sarah Schulte (Dan) and Megann Kjolsrud (Mark); Al and Yvette Thomas, Karla Hedman, Susan Culberson, Julie Titus, Terri Sauter, Jaque Conrad, lots of Nelson, Dougherty, and Fennell cousins; as well as many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Irene Fennell; sister, Kathy Fennel; and sister, Colleen Schwanz.

View Mary Louise Fennell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Jerome Scott Snodgrass

Jerome Scott Snodgrass, 63, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his daughter's home on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born on May 26, 1962, in Onawa, Iowa, to Jerome “Jerry” and Mary “Tony” Snodgrass (Olson). He worked at Godfather’s as a teen, where he made man lifelong friends.

Scott married Glenda “Jo” Snodgrass (Smith) in October of 1985, to which they were blessed with three daughters. During this time, he provided for his family by working at Smurfit Stone. They later divorced and he never remarried.

When Scott wasn’t home messing in his garden, you could find him out in the wood hunting, fishing, or at the kitchen table doing taxidermy. He enjoyed it so much he opened “Snobby’s Hobbies.”

His dog Snuggles was his best friend. They went everywhere together, including long country drives with his daughter, Michayla.

As Scott got older, he earned the title Papa. He enjoyed walking the girls to the gas station and loading up on candy. He often found himself at dance competitions, football games, and choir concerts. There was no doubt he loved being in the crowd.

He was blessed last year with his great-granddaughter. She was his light on his dark days.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother, Dan.

He is survived by his daughters, Ashley (Anthony) Timm, Michayla (Zach) Swanson, and Jillian Snodgrass. And honorary daughter, Lacey (Jordan) Martinson. His is also survived by his many grandchildren: Faith, Madison, Justin, Trezdyn, Talon, Braedon, Marley, Eliana, Teegan, Kinnick, and Kaisley; his great grandchildren, Jaxon and Bentley, and his favorite great-granddaughter, Oaklynn; his siblings, Melissa (Greg) Larson, Amy Swenson, Doug Snodgrass, and Bob Snodgrass; his aunt, Julie Casavant; nieces, nephews, and a new great nephew.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM with Visitation taking place at 9:00 AM, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel. Please come how Scott would, in camo and daisy dukes.

View Jerome Scott Snodgrass's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Carol Jean Oostenbrug

Carol Jean DySard was born on August 10, 1934, in Ellendale, North Dakota. Her parents were Leliah Collett DySard and Clyde DySard. Carol passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 22, 2026.

Carol grew up in Hartley, Iowa, and graduated from Hartley High School in 1952. She then worked as a clerk at the O’Brien County Courthouse.

She married Keith Oostenbrug in 1956. They celebrated their 65th anniversary prior to Keith’s passing.

Carol and Keith began their married life in Storm Lake, Iowa, then moved to Sioux City, Iowa, in 1960. Their family grew quickly. Carol was the heart of the home, raising their five children. She was known as a talented homemaker who could paint and wallpaper anything (including a ceiling), sew dresses for her girls, refinish furniture, cook wonderful meals and bake great treats that never lasted long.

She was a Room Mother at Bryant Elementary School and a Secretary for her PEO group. She and her neighbor Phyllis Holzrichter became lifelong friends and enjoyed bicycle adventures around the town while their kids were in school.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and participated as a preschool Sunday School Teacher, a Circle member, a Bell Choir member, and always encouraged her family to participate fully in church life.

Once her kids had grown, she returned to school at Western Iowa Technical College and became a Medical Transcriptionist. She worked for many years at Morningside Family Practice and thoroughly enjoyed her job and her co-workers.

Upon retirement, she and Keith moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa, to a beautiful home overlooking Center Lake. They became active members of the Spirit Lake United Methodist Church and enjoyed close relationships with very special neighbors.

When Keith passed in 2021, Carol moved back to Sioux City to Sunrise Retirement Community. She was warmly welcomed, quickly made many dear friends and genuinely enjoyed participating in the many activities they offered. She absolutely loved living at Sunrise. Her family is so very thankful for the dedicated staff and loving neighbors she found there.

She golfed until she was 80, enjoyed daily walks and was a lifelong bridge player. An avid reader, the incredible library at Sunrise was an absolute favorite.

Carol is survived by her five children and their families: Susan and Dr. Michael Ferris, Jeffrey Oostenbrug, Joel and Teresa Oostenbrug, Laura Musselman, and Thomas and Pamela Oostenbrug. She is survived by grandchildren: Thomas and Erin Ferris, Adam Ferris and Chandi Nicholson, Jenna Ferris, Grant Ferris and Kayla Anderson, Becky and Grant Glover, Katy and Nathan Willingham, David Oostenbrug, Kelly Sachau, Sara and DJ Anderson, Natalie and Adam Gazerowitz, and Raechel and Miles Morrissey. She is survived by fifteen great grandchildren, brother Harrison and Tracie DySard, sister Ruth DySard, sister-in-law Edie Kammerer, and many, many beloved friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Keith Oostenbrug, her parents, Clyde and Leliah DySard, her brother Leland DySard, and her grandson Patrick Sachau.

Thank you to Pastor Roger Madden and Neil Peck from First United Methodist Church for their ministry to our mom and our family. The family would also like to thank the staff at Unity Point Hospital who were so kind and compassionate during Carol’s final week.

Memorial gifts will be donated to First United Methodist Church for the Music Academy at First.

Services Friday morning, May 29 at First United Methodist Church, Sioux City. Visitation with the Family at 10:00, Funeral Service at 11:00. Luncheon to follow.

View Carol Jean Oostenbrug's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/25/2026

Each Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who died while serving our country. Their sacrifice shaped the freedoms we live with today, and their legacy lives in family stories, hometown traditions, and the places they once called home. With gratitude, we honor their service and the lasting mark they left on our community and on the nation they served.