Alta Marie Baxter

Alta Marie Baxter, 92 of Sioux City passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

Per her request, Alta has been cremated and there will be a memorial Mass at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 2, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sioux City. Father David Hemann will officiate. Private family burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Neptune, IA. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday with a Vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Friday all at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com

Alta was born and raised on a farm near Kingsley, Iowa to Frank and Christina (Ruhland) Sitzmann.  She was the second youngest of thirteen children. 

Alta received her teaching degree from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa.  She taught several grade levels including teaching in a one-room school house in the countryside near Le Mars. 

She then met a handsome Marine named Merlyn Baxter at a country dance.  They fell in love and were married on October 20, 1947 in Remsen, Iowa. 

Alta lived life to the fullest.  She had many wonderful years of traveling adventures with Merl.  She was an avid bridge player, cribbage player; golfer; fisherman; walker; gardener; and loved everything to do with her family.  Alta also believed in giving back and spent many volunteer hours at the Bargain Center in Sioux City.

Alta is survived by her husband of 71 years: Merl. Alta and Merl had 10 children with eight surviving children; 18 surviving grandchildren and 17 surviving great grandchildren.  Surviving children are: Marlene Girard; Jody Watson (Tom); Sue Christenson (Bill); Robert Baxter ( Maureen);  Nancy  Prince; Mike Baxter; Chuck Baxter(Liz); and Patrick Baxter. 

Her surviving siblings are: Emmett Sitzmann (Lucy) and Ferne Boever.

She is pre-deceased by infant twins, Mary and Marie; a grandson, Nicholas M. Baxter, Machinist Mate First Class, USN; and one great grandson: Alan Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Clare Guest House 1918 Douglas St, Sioux City, IA 51104