Elaine Kay Delzell

Elaine Kay (Haugen) Delzell, 89, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at Sunrise Retirement Community. She was born on November 9, 1936, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Ole and Ann (Aronson) Haugen.

Kay attended Whittier Elementary and East Junior High School before graduating from East High School. She later took college classes at the University of South Dakota and Morningside College. While attending Morningside College, she met the love of her life, Douglas Sackett Delzell, at a Morningside men’s basketball game. They were married on July 12, 1957, at Morningside Presbyterian Church. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, faith, and countless cherished memories. Every year on their anniversary, they returned to the steps of that church at 7:30 p.m. to reminisce about the beginning of their life together.

Kay was a devoted mother who stayed home with her children when they were young. Later, she worked for the Sioux City Community School District as a library assistant at East High School for five years. She also worked for many years as the “Minister of Maintenance”—her affectionate title for custodian—at St. James United Methodist Church.

Kay’s faith was a central part of her life. She was a devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully in many roles. Over the years, she was a member of the adult choir and a ladies’ sextet, taught Sunday school, served on the Education Committee, was assistant Sunday School Superintendent, participated in Joy Circle and the United Methodist Women’s group, served on the Administrative Board, and was chairman of the Trustees. She was also a member of GLORY Group. Kay also enjoyed helping Doug collect pop cans for the church. Many times, when Doug spotted a can along the side of the road, Kay would have to jump out of the pickup to retrieve it!

Kay was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. She loved cheering on her beloved Cubs and proudly celebrated every victory by putting out the Cubs’ famous “W” flag.

Kay’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her three children, Jeff (Liz) Delzell, Jenny (favorite son-in-law, Dave) Williams, and Jerry (Terre) Delzell; her grandchildren, Emily (Brandon) Myers, Chris (Beth) Delzell, Matthew (Jana) Delzell, Allison (Elijah) Bruns, Tyson (Shannon) Williams, Travis (Richelle) Williams, Derek Delzell, and Mara Delzell; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jeanne (Don) Devine; sister-in-law, Marge Delzell; and many nieces and nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her sister, Jo (Bill) Holdcroft; and her brothers-in-law, Wally Delzell and Jerry (Jerilyn) Delzell.

Kay will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her deep dedication to her church and faith, her caring heart, and, of course, her famously organized stacks of papers.

The family extends their heartfelt love and gratitude to the entire staff at Sunrise Retirement Community and the staff of St. Croix Hospice. “We have all grown to love all of you as you cared so deeply for Kay (as well as Doug). Your kindness, compassion, and care will always be remembered and appreciated.”

Because of Kay’s lifelong dedication to her church, memorials may be directed to St. James Global Methodist Church. Memorial funds will also be used to add a bench at Latham Park, located across the street from Kay’s childhood home. The bench will be dedicated to the three “Haugen girls”—Jo, Kay, and Jeanne.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Both services will be held at St. James Global Methodist Church, 2032 S. Cypress, Sioux City, IA 51106.

The service will also be streamed online through the church’s YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com@stjamesmethdistscia/streams.