Mary Ann Margaret (Skarnulis) Kukula

Links to view the livestream of Mary Ann's Vigil Service and Funeral Mass will be posted when available.

Mary Ann Margaret (Skarnulis) Kukula, 94, of Sioux City, IA passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Born on March 26, 1932, in Sioux City to Martin and Catherine (Cesna) Skarnulis, Mary Ann’s life was marked by unwavering faith, heartfelt generosity, and a profound commitment to family and service.

Mary Ann’s roots in Sioux City were deep and enduring. Baptized at St. Casimir Catholic Church, she attended Cooper Grade School, St. Francis Grade School, and Cathedral High School before becoming part of the inaugural graduating class of Bishop Heelan High School in 1950. On September 16, 1951, she united in marriage to John William Kukula at St. Casimir Catholic Church, together they were blessed with four children.

Her professional career was distinguished by decades of dedicated service. Mary Ann contributed her expertise to Sanford Bros. Insurance, J. Watt Wooldridge Insurance Company, H.A. McQueen & Wilford Forker Attorneys, and most notably to Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where she retired in 1987 after 24 and a half years. Following retirement, she continued her work from 1987 to 1996 at the Calvary Cemetery office and with the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese of Sioux City, reflecting her steadfast commitment to her faith and community.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mary Ann’s life. She volunteered as a Eucharistic Lay Minister of Holy Communion at MercyOne Hospital for 25 years and was an active member of St. Casimir Church, St. Francis Church, and later Immaculate Conception Church—now Mater Dei Parish. At Immaculate Conception, she served as a Eucharistic Lay Minister, participated in the adult and resurrection choirs, and was a sponsor for the RCIA program for nine years. Her spiritual dedication was a guiding light to those around her.

Mary Ann was known for her holy and precious spirit, characterized by a deep faith and an unwavering devotion to those she loved. She forged meaningful connections throughout her life and was revered as the matriarch of her family. Alongside her husband John, she was an avid traveler, exploring Canada, Europe, and two pilgrimages to the Holy Land. A gracious host, Mary Ann delighted in cooking and baking for her loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John William Kukula; parents, Martin and Catherine Skarnulis; siblings Frank (Nina) Skarnulis, Victoria (Harry) Wendt, Regina Mitchell, Edward Skarnulis, Al (Sally) Skarnulis, and George (Jean) Skarnulis; sisters-in-law Josephine (Leo) Samsel, Sophie (John) Latham, and Bernice (Robert) Espeland; and son-in-law Greg Deman.

Mary Ann is survived by her children: John Michael (Deborah) Kukula of Omaha, NE; Francine Deman of Dakota Dunes, SD; Kathleen (Mark) Lawson of Spencer, IA; and Joleen (Keith) Herrboldt of Yankton, SD. She also leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Rev. Shane Deman of St. Louis, MO; Christopher Deman of Scottsdale, AZ; Catie (Cody) Miltenberger of Omaha, NE; Bryan (Jessica) Lawson of Urbandale, IA; Steven (Niki) Lawson of West Des Moines, IA; Amy (Ben) Baratto of Merrifield, MN; Michael (Marci-Rae) Kukula of Madison, WI; Maria (Matthew) Dorman of Omaha, NE; Sarah (Drew) Lawrence of Yankton, SD; and Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Herrboldt of Tea, SD; and great-grandchildren: Blake Lawson, Gabe Lawson, Luke Lawson, and Ali Lawson of Urbandale, IA; Mark Lawson, Theo Lawson, and Brennan Lawson of West Des Moines, IA; Vincent Baratto, Reagan Baratto, and Charlee Baratto of Merrifield, MN; Ella Dorman, Riley Dorman, and Zoey Dorman of Omaha, NE; Cruz Miltenberger, Carson Miltenberger, and Cal Miltenberger of Omaha, NE; Mason Lawrence and Bode Lawrence of Yankton, SD; Jack Herrboldt, Austen Herrboldt, Cameran Herrboldt, and Cade Herrboldt of Tea, SD.

A visitation with family present will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Mater Dei Parish - Immaculate Conception Church. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. that evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church, with Mary Ann’s grandson, Father Shane Deman, serving as Celebrant. Following a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held in the Parish Hall at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Following services at the cemetery, the family and those attending the burial service will join those remaining in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed for Masses for Mary Ann at Mater Dei Parish - Immaculate Conception Church, Financial donations in memory of Mary Ann may be offered towards Mater Dei Parish – Immaculate Conception, Holy Spirit Retirement Home, or Bishop Heelan High School. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

Mary Ann’s enduring contributions to her parish, her community, and her family exemplify a life lived with grace, faith, and an open heart. Her legacy remains firmly rooted in the values she held most dear: family, faith, and service.