Herman F. Etzel, Jr.

Herman F. Etzel Jr., 91, of Sioux City passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, at a Sioux City hospital. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Wesley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Nea Huggins officiating. Burial with military graveside services will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Herman was born on Oct. 23, 1921, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the eldest of three sons to Herman F. and Harriet (Rogers) Etzel. He lived an adventurous childhood and graduated from Fort Dodge High School. He answered his call to duty by joining the U.S. Army in 1942, serving as a staff sergeant in the Pacific Theater with the 181st Infantry, Wildcat Division, until the end of World War II. Upon his return stateside, he enrolled at Westmar College in Le Mars. While at Westmar, he met and fell in love with "the pretty girl sitting at the end of the row" in one of his science classes. After obtaining his education degree, he wed Dorothy Begg on June 12, 1948. They moved to Onawa, Iowa, following his graduation and he began his teaching career. In addition to his classroom work, he also enjoyed coaching. In 1954, the couple moved to Sioux City, where he began a long career teaching in the Sioux City Community School District. He taught math at North Junior, Hayworth and East Junior until retiring in 1984. Herman and Dorothy have three sons, Don, Bob and David. Herman and Dorothy enjoyed their retirement years by traveling with friends around the globe and visiting family, especially their grandchildren. Herman was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church. As a dedicated outdoorsman, Herman truly enjoyed the beauty and diversity of nature. Herman was a member of evening Lions Club for many years. Herman will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy; sons, Don (Shelley) of Lafayette, Colo., Bob (Karen) of Toledo, Iowa, and David of Sioux City; grandchildren, Emelia, Ashley, Ryan, Caleb, Wyatt, Caitlin and Matt; and three great-grandchildren. A dedicated husband and father, Herman leaves a legacy of deep love of family and thinking of others above yourself.