Jenny (Janice L.) Herrick

Jenny (Janice L.) Herrick, 90, formerly of Sioux City, received her angel wings from the grace of God, 25 December 2024, at her residence in Waukee, IA, surrounded by her family.

Jenny Erickson, the daughter of Clarence and Caroline (Wenschlag) Erickson was born 3 April 1934, in Watertown, SD. The family lived in various cities until Jenny graduated from high school in Huron, SD in 1952. 

In 1956, Jenny was united in marriage with Frank D. Martin in Sioux City. Frank and Jenny had two sons, Kirk and Eric Martin. Frank passed away in July of 1960.

Jenny went on to attend the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City, in 1955. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Westmar University in 1980.

Jenny held many work positions over the years. She worked for Dr. R. F. Martin following nursing school, in the office and as an Ob-Gyn nurse. Jenny was employed at the Nebraska Psych Institute in Omaha, a float nurse with Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, and a staff nurse at Lutheran Community Hospital in Norfolk, NE. She also was employed at WITCC as an instructor with the Adult Education Occupations Department, a small animal inspector with the USDA, a consultant with Weyerheuser Co. (a geriatric consulting agency), and St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center. Jenny eventually started her own business, “All Kidding Aside”, as a professional motivational humorist speaker, retiring from all interests in 2018.

In 1968, Jenny was united in marriage with Dwight Herrick in South Sioux City, NE. Dwight and Jenny had one daughter, Jana (Herrick) Sussex. Dwight passed away in April of 2001.

Jenny was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, council member, and a Circle of Friends member. She was an auxiliary board member of St. Luke’s Hospital, a 17-year Lifeline Program leader, and the Coordinator of the Jr. Volunteer Program at St. Luke’s. Jenny was a charter member of both the St. Luke’s Toastmasters and member and officer of Professional Speaking™. Jenny was also a proud member of the National Speakers Association, Toastmasters International, and a lifetime member and past president of the Siouxland Kennel Club and Siouxland Humane Society, training and showing dogs for over 30 years. Jenny was a graduate of the world’s largest and oldest clown college, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse Clown Camp. Jenny was Iowa’s first Certified Laughter Leader. She traveled with Dr. Patch Adams and the clown contingent (Fun Medical Delegation) to China in 2000 and to Ground Zero in New York City in 2001. Jenny joined God’s Giggle Gang with Rick and Rosie Pridie and did Christian ministries throughout the Siouxland area. She also started the St. Luke’s Caring Clown Troupe and served as its coordinator and manager, spreading cheer to patients and families. She was highly involved in pet therapy, with Roxy, her Toy Fox Terrier, at St. Luke’s Hospital through the STARS, Inc. program.

Jenny is survived by her children, Kirk Martin (Debbie Hofmeyer) of Sioux City and Jana (Chad) Sussex of Waukee, IA; five grandchildren: Tara Martin, Trista Martin, Austin Martin, and Caden Sussex, Cambree Sussex; niece Maryse Snyder and nephew Roger Parlee. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, her sister Carol and brother-in-law Robert Parlee of Bradenton, FL, and her son Eric Martin of Livermore, CA.

Donations in Jenny’s honor may go to Noah’s Hope Animal Rescue of Sioux City or Unity Point Health Hospice of Urbandale, IA. Services for Jenny are not planned at this time.