Boxing Legend George Foreman Buried in Iowa, Family Explains Why

Foreman's family reveals his decades-old wish to be laid to rest in Sioux City's picturesque landscape.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:11pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a boxing match or memorial scene, with sharp planes of deep red, brown, and grey colors blending together in an abstract, cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the Foreman family's emotional memorial for the boxing legend in the picturesque Sioux City landscape.Sioux City Today

Former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, who was from Texas, was laid to rest in Sioux City, Iowa after his passing in 2025. Foreman's family revealed that he had expressed a desire decades ago to be buried in the Sioux City area, captivated by the region's beautiful landscapes and sense of community. The Foreman family held a press conference to share this story and express their gratitude to the city for honoring Foreman's final wishes.

Why it matters

Foreman's choice to be buried in Iowa, rather than his home state of Texas, highlights the lasting impact a place can have on someone, even if they only visited briefly. The family's decision to honor Foreman's wishes speaks to the importance of respecting one's final rests and the power of personal connections to specific locations.

The details

According to Foreman's son George Foreman Jr., the boxing legend told him in 1984 that he wanted to be buried in Sioux City, Iowa. When the family arrived in the area, they said they immediately understood why, as the landscape matched Foreman's description of the 'picturesque' Loess Hills and the 'sense of peace' he felt there. Foreman was laid to rest at Logan Park Cemetery on April 17, 2025, and a monument honoring him was placed at the park earlier that week.

  • Foreman visited the Sioux City area decades ago in the 1980s.
  • Foreman passed away on March 21, 2025.
  • Foreman was laid to rest at Logan Park Cemetery on April 17, 2025.
  • A monument honoring Foreman was placed at Logan Park earlier in April 2025.

The players

George Foreman

A former world heavyweight boxing champion who was from Texas but expressed a desire to be buried in Sioux City, Iowa.

George Foreman Jr.

Foreman's son who revealed his father's decades-old wish to be buried in Sioux City.

George Foreman V

Foreman's grandson who said the Sioux City area matched his grandfather's description of the 'picturesque' landscape.

Bob Scott

The mayor of Sioux City who received a signed boxing glove from the Foreman family as a symbol of their gratitude.

Rex Mueller

The Sioux City police chief who attended the memorial event for Foreman.

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What they’re saying

“He told me that in '84. He said, 'I'm not playing.'”

— George Foreman Jr., Foreman's son

“Once I got here, it all started making sense. It was very picturesque. He loved beautiful landscapes.”

— George Foreman V, Foreman's grandson

“George, especially in his later years, he had this mantra, he would say, 'George Foreman is the happiest of all time.' He would have been so proud for us to be here because the kindness, most joyful and happy people are right here in Iowa, and I got to see it first hand. He carried that with him everywhere he went, the kindness.”

— George Foreman IV, Foreman's son

“We just felt a sense of peace. We knew we were in the right place.”

— Natalie Foreman-Wynn, Foreman's daughter

“You'll never understand what you did for us during an impossible time in our life. Forever grateful to you.”

— George Foreman Jr., Foreman's son

What’s next

The Foreman family plans to hold an annual memorial event in Sioux City to honor George Foreman's legacy and connection to the community.

The takeaway

George Foreman's choice to be buried in Sioux City, Iowa, rather than his home state of Texas, demonstrates the profound impact a place can have on someone, even from a brief visit. The Foreman family's decision to honor his wishes and the city's warm embrace of his legacy speaks to the power of personal connections and the importance of respecting one's final resting place.