Kenneth A. "Kenny" Paulsen, 85, of Sioux City passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at a Sioux City hospital.
    A Funeral Service was held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation with the family was held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors was held at St. Mary's Cemetery in Danbury.
    Kenny was born on August 26, 1941, in Danbury, the son of Andrew and Hilda (Kollbaum) Paulsen. He grew up on a farm near Oto and attended schools in Anthon and Oto. His years on the farm helped shape the strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and ability to fix just about anything that would remain with him throughout his life.
    In November of 1963, Kenny was drafted into the United States Army, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in October of 1965. Shortly after returning home, he began the next chapter of his life. On November 20, 1965, Kenny married Janice Burton in Danbury, beginning a marriage that would span more than 60 years. Together, the couple had two children and built a life centered on hard work, and commitment to one another.
    Just two days after their wedding, Kenny went to work helping with the construction of IBP. In 1966, he moved inside the plant and began what would become an extraordinary 57-year career with the company. Known for his loyalty and tremendous work ethic, Kenny remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2023.
    Kenny was truly a jack of all trades. There was very little he couldn't figure out how to repair, and he especially enjoyed working on and fixing lawnmowers.
    Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 61 years, Janice Paulsen of Sioux City; his son, Rob Paulsen of Sioux City; along with his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, and many dear friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Hilda Paulsen; a sister; and 2 brothers.

    Debra "Deb" Oberreuter, 68, of Sioux City passed away on September 4, 2026.
    A funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 16th at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
    Deb was born on November 8, 1957 in Sioux City to Jack and Thelma (Motts) Oberreuter. She graduated in 1976 from Maple Valley High School in Mapleton. She was united in marriage to Antonio "Tony" Medina on April 16, 2021, and they were together for over 40 years. Deb worked at Palmer Candy for over 35 years; she joined Palmer in 1986, becoming a supervisor in 2006. Deb retired from Palmer Candy in 2021. Prior to Palmer Candy, Deb worked for Godfather's Pizza restaurants as a manager for 7 years. Together, Deb and Tony had a very fun, joyful and loving life. Deb had a very unique, uplifting spirit and positive attitude. That was contagious for the people around her. She had an unbelievable gift for conversation and laughter. She was an incredibly detailed and organized person. Deb and Tony enjoyed camping and going to Little Sioux Park Cabins in Correctionville every summer with the family. She was a great cook and talented home decorator. She regularly did numerous arts & crafts with painting being one of her favorites. Deb was a homebody who was happiest being around her family. She couldn't wait for the next holiday. She just loved the holidays with family, laughs and food. Christmas, of course, was her favorite. She will be greatly missed
    Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Tony Medina; brother Tom Oberreuter of Danbury; cousin, John L. Motts, of Bellevue, NE; and many other cousins and friends.
    She is preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Jack.

    Melvin "Pat" B. Krayenhagen, age 90, of Battle Creek passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Unity Point HealthSt. Lukes Regional Hospital in Sioux City.
    A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek; Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards officiated. Committal Services followed in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Battle Creek with Military Rites Conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek.
    A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek.
    The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove & Battle Creek was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com
    Melvin "Pat" B. Krayenhagen, the son of Marvin and Lucille (Andresen) Krayenhagen, was born on December 18, 1935, in rural Ida County. He grew up on the family farm outside of Battle Creek where the values of hard work, responsibility, and a love for the land became an important part of who he was. Pat received his education in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek High School with the Class of 1954.
    Following graduation, Pat enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and later transitioned into the United States Air Force. His time in the military was cut short when he returned home on emergency leave after his father was injured in a farming accident. With family and the farm needing him, Pat remained at home, working alongside his family and helping area farmers whenever an extra hand was needed.
    On June 8, 1958, Pat married the love of his life, Georgine A. Groth in the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Together, they settled on Georgine's family farm where they began building a life rooted in family, farming, and the land they called home. Pat and Georgine were blessed with three children: Debra, Yvonne, and John.
    For many years, Pat and Georgine worked side by side on the farm while raising their family. Farming was more than Pat's occupation; it was a way of life. In 1997, they moved from the farm into the town of Battle Creek. Pat officially retired in 2016, although, as anyone who knew him understood, farmers never truly retire. He continued tinkering with machinery, lending a hand during harvest, and staying connected to the everyday rhythms of farm life.
    Pat was a natural craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands. His many interests included woodworking, stained glass, gardening, and landscaping. He took great pride in caring for his yard and even made sure the neighborhood squirrels were well fed. Pat also enjoyed traveling, rarely missing an opportunity to capture the places he visited and the memories made along the way with his camera.
    Some of Pat's most content moments were also among the simplest. On a warm summer day, he could often be found sitting out back with his faithful companion, Shady, by his side, admiring the yard he had worked so carefully to create. It was there, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, that Pat could simply sit back and enjoy the life he had built.
    Left to cherish his memory are his wife 68 years, Georgine Krayenhagen of Battle Creek; children Debra (Tom) Uhl of Schleswig, Yvonne (Randy) Colshan of Mapleton, and John (Sam Andersen) of Battle Creek; grandchildren Jason (Casey) Uhl, Renee Sheehan, Jennifer (Brad) Segebart, Sara (Archie) Kelly, Brett (Tiffany) Schrank, Jakinzi Krayenhagen, and Jalayni Krayenhagen; great-grandchildren Mckenna, Trenton, Emma, William, Thomas, Nora, and Rylie; great-great grandchild Baylee; brother Marlin " Mike" Krayenhagen of Spirit Lake; four-legged companion "Shady"; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
    Melvin "Pat" is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Lucille Krayenhagen; sister La Vonna (Louie) Reitz; and nephew David Krayenhagen.

    Opal Clara Maguire, 94, of Sioux City, formerly of Danbury, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City.
    Visitation for Opal was held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel in Sioux City. The family will greet friends followed by a Rosary Service and a Vigil Service. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Mater Dei Parish – Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sioux City, with Father Brad Pelzel serving as Celebrant. Burial was held at Danbury Catholic Cemetery in Danbury.
    Opal, the daughter of John and Meta (Meyer) Fick, was born on November 22, 1931, at her family home in Mapleton. She grew up in Mapleton and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1950. Following high school, Opal worked at Knapp's Grocery and as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell.
    On December 31, 1955, Opal was united in marriage to Clair Leo Maguire at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Danbury. Their marriage was blessed with seven children. Opal and Clair made their home on a farm near Danbury where they raised their family. Opal was a hardworking farm wife who worked alongside her husband while also creating a loving home and raising their seven children. She later worked for several years as a C.N.A., caring for others with the same compassion and kindness she showed her own family.
    In 1994, Opal and Clair moved from the farm into Danbury to help care for Clair's father, Frank. Clair passed away on January 3, 2006. Opal remained devoted to her family and continued to find joy in the many people and activities that filled her life.
    Opal enjoyed many hobbies and interests over the years. She took great pride in her large garden and loved playing cards and Bingo. She also enjoyed traveling and treasured the time spent with family and friends. Opal was an active member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hat Society.
    Above all, Opal's faith and family were the cornerstones of her life. She was a devout Catholic who believed deeply in the power of prayer. She will be remembered for her honesty, loving and caring nature, and strong work ethic. Opal was a remarkable woman who gave generously of herself to her family and those around her, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, love, and devotion.
    Opal is survived by her seven children: Dianne (Ken) Dorale, Cheryl Porter, Alan (Tammey) Maguire, Lorna (friend Dave Wright) Maguire, Anita Clark, Rosemary (Mike) Goodrich, and Jerry (Karen Luttrell) Maguire; fifteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Alta Patterson and Wilma Siefker. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Clair; her parents, her parents-in-law Frank and Leona Maguire; her grandson, Nathan Horstman; two brothers, Wilford Fick and Arnold (Violet) Fick; two sisters, Esther (Walter) Rickert and Dora (Lowell) Chellew; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Patterson and Doug Siefker.