Douglas Sackett Delzell

Douglas Sackett Delzell, born on March 13, 1935, in Chariton, Iowa, to Milton and Mabel (Sackett) Delzell, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Doug grew up with a strong work ethic, starting in his early days delivering newspapers. He attended Joy Elementary, East Junior and graduated from East High School, where he excelled in both basketball and football. He continued his education at Morningside College, earning a degree in education while also playing basketball and football. Doug later earned his Master’s in Education from the University of South Dakota.

On July 12, 1957, Doug married the love of his life, Kay Haugen, at Morningside Presbyterian Church. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and faith. Every anniversary of their marriage they reminisced on the steps of Morningside Presbyterian Church at 7:30 pm.

He proudly joined the 185th Iowa Air National Guard in 1953 as a part-timer in supply. Doug began his teaching career in Ida Grove from 1957 to 1960. He taught at Woodrow Wilson Junior High from 1960 to 1964 before continuing at Hayworth Junior High, where he also coached basketball. His dedication to mentoring and inspiring his students and athletes left a lasting impact on many young lives.

In 1972, Doug returned to the Air National Guard as a full-timer in Active Duty AGR status, as the unit’s first full-fledged recruiter. He retired after 20 years as a Master Sergeant.

In retirement, Doug was employed at Sportsman’s and Gateway 2000. He was an active member of his community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and The Center for Siouxland, always eager to lend a helping hand.

He was a devoted member of St. James Global Methodist Church, where he served on various committees. He was a Sunday school teacher and the youth basketball coach (boys and girls teams). He collected pop cans for many years to raise donations, and he was actively involved in the Glory Group. His example of faith permeated throughout his children and grandchildren.

Doug is survived by his wife, Kay Delzell, and his three children: Jeff (Liz) Delzell, Jenny (Dave) Williams, and Jerry (Terre) Delzell. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Emily (Brandon) Myers, Chris (Beth) Delzell, Matthew (Jana) Delzell, Allison (Elijah) Bruns, Tyson (Shannon) Williams, Travis (Richelle) Williams, Derek Delzell, and Mara Delzell. He had twenty-four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Doug is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Marge Delzell, Jerilyn Delzell, and Jeanne (Don) Devine; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wally and Jerry; and his sister-in-law, Jo (Bill) Holdcroft.

Doug will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to education and community service, and his unwavering love for his family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living Facility and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support. Because of his lifelong dedication to his church, memorials may be dedicated in his honor to St. James Global Methodist Church.

A Visitation will be held on April 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 7:00 pm. Memorial service will be held on April 12, 2025, at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon. Both services will be at St. James Global Methodist Church located at 2032 S. Cypress, Sioux City, IA 51106. The service will be streamed here on this YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@stjamesmethodistscia/streams