John L. Germann

SIOUX CITY -- John L. Germann Jr., 81, of Sioux City died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at a local care center.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church, with the Rev. William J. Vit Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. recited by the Carmelite Guild, the family present 6 to 8 p.m., a vigil service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary conducted by the Third Degree Knights of Columbus and a Chalice service by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, all at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel.

John was born Dec. 20, 1928, in Staples, Minn., the son of John and Cecelia (Backus) Germann Sr. He grew up in Staples and graduated from Staples High School. After high school, he moved to California for three years, where he met his future wife.

He married Ursula Neri on June 23, 1951, in Sioux City. John held various positions for several Sioux City businesses over the years. He was the maintenance supervisor for the Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church and Epiphany Grade School for 14 years. After his retirement, he enjoyed working part-time for the Fareway Grocery Store on 18th Street. He was well known in the area for his volunteer work and for making popcorn balls for all kinds of occasions.

He was a longtime member of Cathedral of the Epiphany Catholic Church and a member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus. The most important part of John's life was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ursula of Sioux City; four sons, J. Michael Germann of Ventura, Calif., Gerald Germann and his wife, Paula of Le Mars, Iowa, Antonio Germann and his wife, Barb of Kailua, Hawaii, and Greg Germann and his wife, Cindy of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister, Rita Smith of Gary, Ind.; five brothers, James Germann and his wife, Suzanne of Perham, Minn., Gerald Germann and his wife, Darlene of Underwood, Minn., Michael Germann of Fort Mohave, Ariz., Roger Germann and his wife, Cari of Fergus Falls, Minn., and Dennis Germann and his wife, Patt of Faribault, Minn.; seven grandchildren, Dr. Antonio Germann and his wife, Dr. Emma Germann, Christina Germann, Stephanie, Christopher and Sarah Germann, and Sabine and Danielle Germann; and a great-granddaughter, Roxanne.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be Chris Germann, Krage Feste, John Jacobs, Joe Parkhill, Randy Neri and Jegg Germann.