Gladys Marie McKercher, age 83, of Sioux City passed away on Tuesday December 3, 2013 at an Omaha, Nebraska care facility.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Monday December 9, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City with Pastors David Zirpel and Russell Stenstad officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5-8pm with the family present 6-8pm and a prayer service held at 7:00pm at the church. Waterbury Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com.

Gladys was born in Cherokee, Iowa on July 12, 1930, the daughter of John and Geneva (Stroup) Julif. She graduated from Webb Community Schools with the class of 1951. Following her high school education, she enrolled in the nursing program at the Lutheran School of Nursing in Sioux City, where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse in 1954.

She was united in marriage with Thomas McKercher on April 15, 1954 in Milwaukee,Wisconsin, and to this union was blessed with four children.

Gladys was a stay at home mother for her children and served as the office manager for Tom’s construction business for more than 40 years. She was very active in Tupperware sales for more than 18 years, in addition to being an active member of the Sioux City Community where she assisted with the start of the Siouxland Rental Corporation in 1968, where she served in many different capacities. She also was appointed by the city council to Vision 2020 committee, and helped begin the neighborhood network in 1991. She also was a senior companion for more than 16 years.

She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for more than forty years, where she was in charge of the altar flowers and served in many other capacities. She also was a active member of the Siouxland Senior Center, where she enjoyed the activities and friendships she obtained. Gladys was also a member of the American Business Women Chapter in Sioux City, as well as a member of the St. Luke’s Nursing Alumni. She enjoyed gardening, and dancing.

Her memories will be lovingly remembered by her family which includes her husband of 59 years Thomas of Sioux City, her sons: Lance and his wife Jane of Omaha, Nebraska and Monte of Des Moines, Iowa, and her daughter Gwyn McArthur and her husband Barrie of Peoria, Arizona. She is also survived by a brother Arnold Julif of Houston, Texas her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Gloria Aldag, and two sisters.