Clarice J. Speck

Clarice Jean Moone Hammerstrom Speck, 94, of Sioux City, played the organ on her way into heaven as she faded into the arms of Jesus on July 19, 2021.

A Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021 at Rustin Avenue Methodist Church, 2901 Leech Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51105 with Pastor Barb Johnson. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel, 1801 Morningside Ave., Sioux City, Iowa.

Please visit www.christysmith.com to share a memory or leave condolences for the family.

Clar was born on April 6, 1927 to Edgar and Alene Moone in Sioux City. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, favorite mother-in-law, teacher, singer, church choir director, volunteer, game player, awesome creative cook and pie baker, friend, and delight to all those she crossed paths within her life of 94 years. Clar was a lifelong resident of Sioux City attending East High Class of 1945 and Morningside College graduating in 1949. She was a member of Rustin Avenue United Methodist Church her whole life, singing, directing, and playing for the choir.

She taught kindergarten for 26 years at Sloan and Joy Schools. Her students included doctors, professional singers, pro football players, and thousands of others, and a host of student teachers. After retiring from teaching, she volunteered with Lad at National Park Service locations in Florida and Arizona for many years. She accumulated over 5000 service hours.

Clarice was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Windsor; her husband of 40 years, Ronald L. Hammerstrom; second husband, Francis “Lad” Speck of 30 years; brothers-in-law, Don McCarthy and Jerry Hammerstrom; son-in-law, Tim Frazee. She is survived by her sister, Edalene McCarthy of Burlington, Iowa; five children, Chris Frazee of Indiana, Doug (Lindy) Hammerstrom of Texas, Connie Hatcher of Oklahoma, Daved W. Hammerstrom of Texas, Dennis Hammerstrom of Sioux City; 6 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 nephews.

The family would like to thank the Visiting Angels and Holy Spirit Retirement Home for their wonderful care of Clarice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rustin Avenue United Methodist Church, Hospice of Siouxland, or a charity of your choice.