William "Wally" Delzell

William "Wally" Delzell, 84, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 31, 2022. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8p.m. on Thursday with the family present from 5 to 8p.m. There will be a prayer service beginning at 7p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com William Wallace Delzell was born January 25, 1938, to Milton and Mabel Delzell, in Sioux City. A strong work ethic was instilled by his parents, both of whom were educators. They daily helped shape the character of Wally, along with his older brother, Doug, and younger brother, Jerry. Wally was raised in Sioux City, where he attended Joy Elementary, East Junior, and East High School, graduating in 1956. Highlights of his high school years included being selected to the All City Basketball team, as well as Iowa Boys State. He continued his education at Morningside College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business in 1960. On December 23, 1961, Wally was united in marriage to Marjorie "Marge" Hansen in Sioux City. The couple have made Sioux City their home for the past 60 years. They were blessed with twin sons and a daughter, and recently celebrated 61 years of marriage a few days before Wally's passing. The couple was blessed to have Marge's mother, Amanda, live with them for 27 years. He has been affectionately referred to as "Papa Wally" by his 10 grandchildren over the last 30 years. While still in high school, Wally enlisted in the Naval Reserve on June 17, 1955. His military stint included active duty from 1960-1964 and active Naval Reserve from 1964-1985. He was the dispersing officer aboard the U.S.S. Midway and handled the payroll for approximately 3,500 men. Sixty years ago, as reported on a front-page story of the Sioux City Sunday Journal, Wally paid out the ship's $500,000 payroll to the crew and airmen. Wally retired from the military July 1, 1985, with a rank of Commander after 30 years of military service. In addition to Wally's military service, his vocational experiences included the role of Assistant Vice President at Security National Bank from 1964-1972. He was Office Manager for the Cannon Ranch from 1972-1978. Lastly, he was Business Manager at Western Hills AEA 12 for 24 years, retiring in 2001. Wally loved watching sports on TV, and whoever was playing tended to become his "favorite teams" for the moment. Those of you who have received a decorated birthday card and envelope from Wally over the years will no doubt cherish it as a keepsake of his love and caring thoughts. Wally was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church for nearly 60 years. He served in a variety of positions, including being president of both the congregation and the school board. He enjoyed attending various home Bible studies. Wally knew that he was God's child and that he had been saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Wally has now entered his eternal home in Heaven. Wally left a legacy of love for God, family and country. Survivors include his beloved wife, Marjorie; sons David (Nicole) of Sioux City; and Pastor Daniel (Tammy) of Papillion, Nebraska; daughter Deborah (Greg) Wolfe of Salix, Iowa; grandchildren Katie (Taylor) Haulsee, Amanda, Sarah (Tim) Wiedel, Aaron, Hannah (Jordan) Whaley, Jonah, Marissa, Julian, Andesia and Brian; brother Douglas (Kay) Delzell of Sioux City; sister-in-law Jerilyn Delzell of Lincoln, Nebraska; and brother-in-law Dr. Gary (Barbara) Hansen of St. Louis; as well as many cherished nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Wally was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Gerald; mother-in-law, Amanda; and daughter-in-law, Camy. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Mission Central.