Adeline Irene Silliman

On April 17, 2026, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, called Adeline Irene Silliman of Sioux City, age 97, to eternal glory in heaven. Her funeral service will be Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport, with the Revs. Russell Senstad and David Zirpel officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with a prayer service at 7:00, at the Morningside Chapel, Christy–Smith Funeral Home.

Adeline was born August 3, 1928, the youngest of five children, to George and Katie (Rechtoris) Zallaha in the Slovak farming community south of Lakefield, Minn. Katie told Adeline she picked the first red ripe tomato from their garden on the day of her birth. The Slovak families gathered together in worship and fellowship at their local church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, where Adeline was baptized and later confirmed.

Adeline was an excellent student in the one-room schoolhouse near her home and graduated high school in Lakefield. She employed her bookkeeping talents as a teller, working at banks in Lakefield and then Windom, Minn., after she married. All ledgers and accounts needed to be reconciled by hand at the end of the day before employees were allowed to leave.

Orren and Adeline were married August 21, 1949. They were blessed with two daughters, Julie and Susan. In late 1956 Orren was offered a temporary job in Sioux City, and the young family moved to Iowa where they stayed and set deep roots in their community and church, joining Redeemer Lutheran. In January 1968 Adeline was offered the position of part-time church secretary. She produced bulletins on an old-fashioned typewriter and mimeograph machine. Her job responsibilities grew, and she enjoyed serving the pastors and people of Redeemer 23 years. The love and support of dear Redeemer friends helped keep her faith strong through life’s trials.

Over the years Orren and Adeline moved several times in Morningside, and each house it seems had a bigger garden. They grew beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables, sharing them with many friends. Even after Orren passed away, Adeline continued gardening for ten years on her own, always marveling at God’s creation in a gorgeous datura flower or tasty tomato. She also nurtured her three precious grand-children in their faith and growing up. Each summer they got to spend several delightful days staying on their own with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma planned days of outdoor fun and inside excitement. She claimed those days were among her favorites of all her years. The children too adored every minute of love she poured out on them.

Having out-lived her four brothers and sisters and their spouses, Adeline graciously embraced the responsibility of keeping her extended family connected. She stayed in touch with her nephews and nieces through letters, phone calls, and prayers. Good news or not-so-good, they knew she loved them and prayed for them. Beyond family, Adeline’s servant heart moved her to be a “Lamplighter” presenting monthly devotions to residents of area nursing facilities for many years, to volunteer with Redeemer’s food bank, and be a prayer chain leader.

Adeline is survived by daughters Julie (Neil) Igo of Duluth, Minn., and Susan of Minnetonka, Minn.; grandchildren Keri Lynn, Scott, and Renee; eight nieces and nephews, especially Duane (Connie) Kazemba who shared his love and concern for her so often.

Memorials in her name may be directed to: Lutheran Service Society – sponsors of radio broadcast “Good Shepherd Hour,” (PO Box 5044, Sioux City, IA 51102); Lamplighters (c/o Redeemer Lutheran Church); or television program “Main Street Living” (c/o Redeemer Lutheran Church).