Elaine Elizabeth Hoskins, age 20, of Soldier passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, as the result of a vehicle accident in rural Soldier.
    Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Logan. Brother Chris Robinson officiated. A private family interment followed.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ute & Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Elaine enjoyed her current work at Platinum Gymnastics Academy as a substitute coach and front desk attendant. She graduated from MVAOCOU High School in 2022. Elaine was preparing to attend college at Brigham Young University to major in accounting and dance choreography. She had recently returned from serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ogden, Utah.
    Elaine enjoyed learning ballet for 13 years; first at Juline School of Dance in Modesto, CA, then at Heartland Ballet in Omaha, NE and HardCor Dance in Denison, IA. She also was an avid lover of imagination and cosplay, particularly of characters in her favorite anime shows. Over the past several years she had taught herself to draw and loved to show off her artwork.
    She leaves behind her parents Adam and Vera Hoskins; siblings Maggie, Katie, Catcher, Darla and Mira all of Soldier; extended family and friends.

    Cherie Sohm, 75, of Le Mars passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars.
    Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Parish - St. Joseph Church in Le Mars. Reverend Andrew Sohm will celebrate Mass with other priests from the Sioux City Diocese and the Archdiocese of Omaha concelebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars.
    Parish Rosary, Scriptural Prayer Service, and Visitation were held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Parish - St. Joseph Church in Le Mars.
    Arrangements were with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com
    Cheryl "Cherie" Ann Delaney was born on September 10, 1949, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, the second child of Dick and Doris (Eckerman) Delaney. She was soon baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mapleton. Cherie grew up in Mapleton and moved to Sioux City at the age of thirteen. At an early age, she became involved in helping her mom in the kitchen with baking and cooking, which she quickly excelled at.
    Cherie started her formal education at St. Mary's Catholic Elementary in Mapleton through the 7th grade. In the 8th grade, her family moved to Sioux City where she attended Immaculate Conception. She graduated from Heelan with the class of 1967. Cherie decided to further her education by attending Stewart's School of Beauty, graduating in 1968.
    She was united in marriage to Terry Leon Sohm on June 9, 1973, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sioux City. They made their home on a farm near Danbury where they farmed and raised livestock. While on the farm, she did hair for neighbors, friends, and family. The city girl became accustomed to farm life, but her kids (usually her youngest) always protected her from the livestock as she was so afraid. After 25 years, they moved from the farm to LeMars.
    Cherie devoted her life to taking care of her children and husband. She loved being a stay-at-home mom while her kids were growing up. She also had the pleasure of taking care of Darren "Buster" Brown from an infant (just six weeks old) to six years old when he went to kindergarten. The homemade meals and desserts were endless. Men usually liked helping Terry on the farm as they knew they would get a good meal. The shellers always got homemade cinnamon rolls at their morning break, but Cherie would not deliver them as she was too afraid of seeing mice or rats.
    She was known for the delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies she made for her grandkids and their friends at their activities. Her homemade loaves of bread and dinner rolls were requested for every holiday.
    Cherie was always the life of the party and had such a fun sense of humor. Her stories were endless and often left us all laughing to the point of crying! She had a gift for making deep connections with every person she encountered. After five minutes of meeting a stranger, she knew their whole life story and they knew hers. Cherie had a huge caring heart, especially for those who were underprivileged. Against her children's wishes, she would give money to every homeless person she met. Even if it meant she and Terry would now not be able to go into the restaurant to eat as was originally planned. Cherie's greatest joy was her grandchildren. Nana loved going to all of their activities and she especially enjoyed when they would come to visit her. There was nothing she loved more than a full house. You could often find her in the kitchen with her apron on cooking and baking for everyone.
    Those left to cherish Cherie's life are her children: Amy (Tate) Benson of Kingsley, Father Andrew Sohm of Omaha, Melissa (Mark) Anderson of Parker, SD, and Emily (Josh) Gries of LeMars; 8 grandchildren: Drew Lehmann, Emerson Benson, Dylan Lehmann, Hannah Gries, Preston Benson, Haley Gries, Dane Lehmann, and Harper Gries; one great-grandson, Kyson Jay; her siblings: Kathy (Phil) Tobias and John (Dianne) Delaney of Sioux City; her in-laws Randy (Susie) Sohm of Danbury, Cindy Armstrong of Danbury, Fred (Lynn) Sohm, and John Dye all of Sioux City; and several nieces and nephews as well as the countless friends she met along the way.
    She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Terry, her parents, Dick and Doris Delaney; her sister Mary Dye; father and mother-in-law Leon and Delores Sohm; and her brother-in-law, Grant Armstrong Jr.
    Cherie's children would especially like to thank everyone for their love and support during the last 74 days their parents were apart. In place of flowers and gifts, the family requests memorials be directed to them to give to the less fortunate.

    Vicki Ann Schwarz, age 63, of Anthon passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at her residence in Anthon.
    Per Vicki's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
    Vicki Ann Schwarz, the daughter of Rene and Donna (Kleber) LaFleur, was born on September 14, 1961, in Sioux City. She grew up in the Jefferson, SD, area. Once she was finished with her schooling, Vicki moved to Mexico where she worked as a housekeeper for a year before returning to Sioux City.
    On July 3, 1982, Vicki was united in marriage to the love of her life, Walter D. Schwarz, in the Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church of Sioux City. The couple where blessed with three children: Keane, Celine, and Devon. The family lived in Sioux City, Arkansas, and Spirit Lake, before making their forever home in Anthon.
    Throughout her lifetime, Vicki was employed as a lab technician at Vision Optical, waitressed at Truck Haven, was an EMT/Security Guard at the Argosy Casino, and most recently worked at Casey's in Correctionville. Vicki also served as a volunteer EMT on the Anthon Rescue Squad and was a caregiver for her mother when she became unable to care for herself.
    Family was the most important thing to Vicki; she especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. She loved to decorate and celebrate the holidays with Easter and Christmas being her favorite. In her free time Vicki enjoyed hunting turkey and deer, helping her husband tend to his garden, and collecting angels. She also enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Carol Hall. She was very proud she returned to her Catholic faith and was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Anthon. Vicki will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
    Left to cherish her memory include her children Keane (Laura) Schwarz of Mapleton, Celine (Christian) Krewson of Bellevue, NE and Devon Schwarz of Anthon; grandchildren Devon A. Schwarz, Aryanna Sunshine Schwarz, Emma Schwarz, Kahlil Schwarz, Sebastian Krewson, Tristian Krewson, and Jillian Krewson; brothers Todd (Monica) LaFleur of Berlin, Germany and Tim LaFleur of St. Paul, MN; sisters Angela Scott of Florida, Jane Evert of Rochester, MN, and Linda Lampson of Sioux City; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
    Vicki was preceded in death by her parents Rene and Donna LaFleur; husband Walter Schwarz (joining him now in Heaven since his passing in 2023); and brother Toby LaFleur.

    It is with deep sorrow and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved sister in Christ, Cynthia "Cyndie" Johnson, 72, of Castana, who went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2024.
    A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at St. John's United Methodist Church of Mapleton. Pastor Curt R. Copple officiated. Interment followed in the Jordan Township Cemetery of Soldier.
    Visitation was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at St. John's United Methodist Church of Mapleton.
    The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements.
    Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com
    Born on March 24, 1952, in Pensacola, FL, to Alfred and Sheila (Stone) Ellis, Cyndie was a devoted Christian whose faith was the cornerstone of her life. She spent years spreading love, kindness, and hope to everyone she met, and she never knew a stranger. Her life was a testament to her unwavering trust in her God, and she believed fully in the power of prayer and the strength of His Grace. Cyndie was a faithful member of the St. John's United Methodist Church of Mapleton where she was actively involved in her church community and working with children through the FAST (Fun After School Time for kids) program.
    Cyndie grew up in in southern California. She also lived in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and lastly Iowa. She graduated from La Mirada in 1970 and obtained her certification in accounting. Cyndie's true passion in life was creating joy and beauty in the world through her art. She loved making quilts, painting, crocheting, or just being creative. Cyndie was a true original. She was vivacious, spunky, loving, and full of life. Cyndie treasured her family and every moment spent with them. She enjoyed genealogy, spending time with her beloved cats, and looking after her loving husband of 40 years, Dale. Cyndie served in the past on the Castana City Council and was proud of her 20-year Girl Scout Pin. She will be remembered for her spirit, creativity, generosity, her love for her Lord and Savior, and for the many lives she touched with her kindness.
    She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. Her loved ones will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 40 years, Dale Johnson of Castana; children Katrina Bruner, Michael Johnson, Christopher K. Johnson (Jamie), and Corey Johnson; fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren; mother Sheila Ellis of Friday Harber, WA; siblings: David Ellis, Robin Garcia, Michele Melborne; special nieces and nephews; extended family and a host of friends.
    Cyndie was preceded in death by her father Alfred B. Ellis; sister Susan Ayotte; and son Eli Eugene Stephenson.