Earl Counter, Jr., Chooch, 78 of Sioux City, Iowa passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021, at his home, with his family present at his bedside. Funeral Services will be held 7:00 pm Friday, May 7, 2021 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, Iowa. Visitation will start at 4pm with family present from 5-7 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Earl Counter Jr., “Chooch”, was born on October 8th, 1942 to Julia Albert (Counter) and Earl Counter Sr.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Diana Rae Reitz, on July 2nd 1966. Together, they shared a lifetime of love and memories. Earl attended both St. Joseph School and Heelan High in Sioux City, IA. He later joined the United States Army and proudly served three years.

He worked in construction and was a bricklayer. Earl started his career with Larry & Lonnie Book Construction and later retired from B&S Masonry. Throughout his career several special, lifelong friendships were made. Chooch also worked as a bartender at Joe’s Place and Harolds.

He enjoyed catching up with friends at the casino, gambling, attending horse/dog races, and spending time with family. Earl also enjoyed listening to oldies, and he especially loved Elvis Presley. He had a passion for old westerns, The Godfather, and The Wizard of Oz. Chooch loved kids, and he enjoyed coaching boy’s fast pitch softball. He coached for B&S Masonry, Cargo, and Sportsmans over several years. He was a family man and a dear friend to anyone, especially in their time of need. Chooch will be most remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and kindness.

Earl is survived by his wife, Diana Rae, of Sioux City, IA, and their four children: Jeffery (Deborah) Counter of Omaha, NE, Shannon (Mario) Cruz of Sioux City, IA, Toby Counter of Sioux City, IA, and Tony Counter (Tori) of Sioux City, IA.; sister, Susie Klug, his 10 grandchildren: Melanie Cruz (Mike S.), Brenda Cruz (Kyle B.), Mario Cruz Jr. (Megan B.), Laura Archuleta, Kaitlyn (Casey) Counter, Zachery (Elizabeth) Counter, Selena Cruz, Cameron Counter, Kaylee Counter, and Christopher Counter. He will always be their “Pa-Pa” and missed dearly; his 12 great-grandchildren: Heaven Schumacher, Kaiden Cruz, Jaiden Cruz, Braxton Bye, Serenity Schumacher, Avery Appel, Mason Bye, Isaiah Osorio, Leah Cruz, Vincent “Vinnie” Cruz, Liliana “Lily” Cruz, and Jenna Cruz.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother, Julia, his two special aunts, Mary and Sadie Albert, sister, Joan Nuno, as well as several aunts and uncles.