Christy-Smith Funeral Homes

12/11/2025

Donna J. Boyer

Donna Jeanne Boyer, 73, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 8, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and her bone marrow transplant. A devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and lifelong caretaker of others, Donna’s gentle spirit and kindness touched every life she encountered. Donna was a woman of faith who always put others first and cared deeply for everyone around her. She will be remembered for her grace, compassion, and her love.

Raised in Sioux City, Iowa, she graduated from Central High School before earning her teaching degree and Master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. Donna went on to teach math at Lawton-Bronson Community Schools for 36 years, where she inspired countless students. She retired from teaching in 2016.

In July of 1975, Donna married her husband, Brent Boyer. The couple were married for 50 years and 135 days. Donna’s greatest joy came from raising their three children—Michael, Brian, and Tara—and later, from watching her family grow. Becoming a grandmother was one of the greatest blessings of her life, and she poured her heart into each of her grandchildren. They were her brightest lights.

Donna and Brent moved to La Vista, Nebraska, in 2017 to be closer to those lights—her grandchildren—and the years spent near them brought immeasurable joy and purpose.

Donna is survived by her husband, Brent Boyer; her mother, Ada Johns; her brother, Randy (Rachel) Johns; her children, Michael Boyer, Brian (Cait) Boyer, and Tara (Patrick) Smith; and her four grandchildren—Blakely and Collins Boyer, and Abigail and Oliver Smith—who will carry her love with them always. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Paul Johns, her sister, Julie Plueger, and her father in law and mother in law, Beryl M. Boyer and Joyce E. (Hall) Boyer.

A visitation will be 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, December 15, 2025, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. A funeral will be 10:30 am Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Morningside Bible Church with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

View Donna J. Boyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Paul Andrew Swanson

Paul Andrew Swanson was born February 28, 1939, to Francis and Thelma Swanson in Sioux City, Iowa. He had two younger sisters, Maryanne and Jane.

He attended church with his family and at the age of 10 was particularly impressed with the gospel message he heard while at the Lake Koronis Bible Camp in Minnesota. The following year, when a missionary to France confronted him after a church service about his soul, God used Isaiah 53:5 to open his eyes to the gospel: “But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” So, at the age of 11, Paul trusted Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior.

He attended Central High School, graduating in 1957. Upon graduation, Paul joined the US Navy where he served for 20+ years, mostly in the reserves, retiring as an E-7 chief petty officer.

He married Susan McKenney in 1961. They had four children: Jim, Terry, Cathy, and Brian. They lived on a farm owned by his father in James, Iowa (just a couple miles north of Sioux City). He worked at Concrete Pipe on the west side of Sioux City. Then later he spent 20 years at Iowa Public Service (now known as MidAmerican Energy).

Paul loved participating in various tractor pulls in Hinton, Westfield, and the River Cade in Sioux City and he loved to water ski. The Sioux City Journal ran an article entitled, “Paul Swanson Rides One Ski to Omaha” in the summer of 1969. When he was 30 years old, “he used just that one ski all the way from [Sioux City] to Omaha, a distance of 117 miles on the Missouri River.”

He and the family moved to Sergeant Bluff in 1971 and then back out to an acreage in 1976. After he and Sue divorced, he later married Rita Plowman on August 16, 1986.

Together he and Rita traveled the US and abroad; much of it on a motorcycle. They cycled to Colorado (Pikes Peak), Canada, the West Coast, and even out to New York City to see family.

Paul enjoyed collecting things: like old tractors, coins, rocks, and World War 2 memorabilia. Fishing also became a thrill to Paul as he got older. He loved catching and eating walleye pike!

He suffered a stroke while shoveling snow at the age of 52. He had a habit of telling others about His Lord and inviting them to come to Christ for themselves.

Physically, Paul suffered one set back after another after breaking his hip on September 9 of this year. On Wednesday, December 10, Paul entered the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is survived by his former wife Susan, their children, Jim (Colleen) Swanson of Queens, NY, Terry (Vicki) Swanson of Deltona, FL, Cathy (Mark) Donnell of McGregor, TX, Brian (Tina) Swanson of Smithville, MO; twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Rita, her children, Mark (Deb) Plowman of Blair, NE, Lori (Pete) Hernandez of Denver, CO, Tim Plowman of Woodbine, IA, Jody (Rachel) Plowman of Treynor, IA; eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren; twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren and a sister Maryanne (Gerald) Diebert of Sioux City.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his infant son Bobby, his sister Jane, and Rita’s son David Plowman.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations could be made to the St. Croix Hospice in Sioux City.

View Paul Andrew Swanson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

"We don’t have a cemetery plot. What do we do?"
Families ask us this often, and if you haven’t chosen a plot yet, you’re not alone. When the time comes, we’ll help you start the process and point you in the right direction. You’ll be able to look at what’s available, ask questions, and make a choice that feels right for your family. What matters most is that you don’t have to figure it out on your own. 💙

12/09/2025

Grief has no timeline. Move through it at your own pace. Joy can show up alongside sorrow, and both belong in the story.

12/08/2025

Charles Allen Keuck

Charles “Chuck” A. Keuck, longtime iron worker and communication tower builder, died on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Chuck was born on January 12, 1946, in Oakland, Nebraska, to Albert and Nina (Huff) Keuck. He attended school in Dakota City and South Sioux City, Nebraska, and later received his GED.

Chuck was a police officer in North Sioux City, South Dakota, for 2 years before retiring to iron work. He was married and divorced twice before he met the best thing that ever happened to him; her name was Mary Cantrell. They met in North Sioux City in September of 1996 and were together for 29 years until his passing.

Chuck enjoyed hunting all types of wildlife, but especially enjoyed hunting elk in Colorado until he could no longer walk the high country. Most of all, he loved fishing for walleyes with Mary at Lake Oahe, north of Pierre, South Dakota. Chuck and Mary enjoyed several fishing trips until his health interfered and he could no longer go.

Those let to cherish his memory are his life partner, Mary; a very special sister, Sheila Reason of Milford, Iowa; his stepchildren; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

View Charles Allen Keuck's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/06/2025

Children will surprise you with their questions about the funeral service - some ask about the flowers, others wonder if you're going to die too. Keep answering them as they come, even when you feel unprepared. Their feelings will shift from sad to curious to angry, sometimes all in one conversation, which is completely normal. We're here to help your family navigate these talks together.

12/05/2025

Barbara Louise Martens

Barbara “Barb” Louise Martens, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Barb was born on January 22, 1934, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Stanley and Katherine Bulizak. She graduated from East High School in 1952 and attended the University of Iowa for one year as a pre-med student. She married Martin “Clancy” Clint Martens on February 2, 1953.

Barb was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and “gigi.” She was a sweet and smart lady with an amazing memory. She volunteered at the Marian Health Center gift shop for 17 years and truly enjoyed it. She also had fun playing Words with Friends with her daughter.

Barb is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Garley of Sioux City; granddaughter, Alissa Saxen of Sioux City; and great-granddaughter, Ila Saxen of Sioux City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clancy, on August 20, 2020.

In lieu of a funeral service, a gathering of family and friends to share memories and fun stories about Barb will be held at a later date.

View Barbara Louise Martens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/04/2025

Have you ever noticed how much it means when you show up for someone else's loss?

When you attend the funeral or share your condolences, you're showing them that their loved one's life touched far more hearts than just their family.

Funerals matter because they bring our community together around shared love and loss. It's our privilege to help you create meaningful moments where folks can gather to honor the beautiful impact one life can have.

12/03/2025

Funerals matter because they give you a chance to say goodbye in a way that feels right, while also bringing the closure and understanding you need to carry the loss with you.

They help you shift from loving someone in everyday life to honoring them through stories, legacy, and memories that last forever.

When you’re ready, we’re here to help you find comfort in a service that feels true to your family.

11/26/2025

Mary Camillia Catherine Fitzgibbon

Mary Camilla Catherine Fitzgibbon, 75, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at her home in Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel (1801 Morningside Ave) with a Visitation taking place one hour prior. Her final resting place will be Graceland Park Cemetery.

Mary was born on May 22, 1950, to Charles and Alma (VerLinden) Fitzgibbon in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from East High School in 1968 and attended the Nettleton School of Business. In 1996, Mary was the recipient of a kidney transplant.

Mary was a lifelong Sioux Citian. As a housekeeper, she was always there for her parents through their long illnesses. Her kindness extended to both people and animals; she would run with the geese and chickens and liked to feed corn to the cows. Mary was faithful member of Mater Dei Parish ~ Immaculate Conception Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking – some of her favorite foods were goulash, Pepsi, and Hershey candy bars.

Mary is survived by her brother, Michael A. Fitzgibbon, and numerous cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alma, and infant brother, Richard.

In lieu of flowers, Mary wished for memorial contributions to be directed to the University of Iowa Kidney Transplant Foundation.

View Mary Camillia Fitzgibbon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/26/2025

Have you considered who you'll trust to know your funeral choices?

Your family will face some big decisions when they're planning your celebration of life. Should they choose burial or cremation? What kind of service would you want? Would you prefer your favorite hymn or that song you always sang along to in the car?

They might second-guess every choice if they don't know your preferences. But when you've shared these thoughts with someone you trust, they can guide the family with confidence and know they're honoring exactly what mattered to you.

(And while you're having that conversation, ask those you love what they'd want, too.)

Who in your life will you trust to carry your voice forward?