Erma M. Zwart

SIOUX CITY -- Erma M. Zwart, 86, a longtime resident of Sioux City passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at Sunrise Nursing Home.

Per Erma's wishes, the body was cremated. Services will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Erma was born Jan. 30, 1923, in Wheeler, S.D., to James and Alberta (Branaugh) Crichton. She married Eugene Zwart on Jan. 22, 1972, in Sioux City. Eugene passed away in May 1985.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Prior to Gene's death, she enjoyed camping at the campgrounds near Little Sioux, Iowa. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was fiercely independent and was determined to "paddle her own canoe." She did just that. We will miss her laugh and her sense of humor.

Erma is survived by her son, Randy Rodman of Indianola, Iowa; her daughter, Linda (Don) Peterson of Yuma, Ariz.; four brothers, Larry (Karen) Crichton of Larchwood, Iowa, Curt Crichton of Vermillion, S.D., Hubert (Karen) of Cottonwood Falls, Kan., and Jerry Crichton of Vail, Iowa; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Jim and Leslie; and two sisters, Mary "Sis" and Bonnie.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Siouxland or Immanuel Lutheran Church.