George Foreman, Texas Native, Buried in Iowa After Decades-Old Wish

Foreman's family reveals why the boxing legend chose to be laid to rest in Sioux City.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a boxing match or training session, with sharp planes of deep red, brown, and black colors representing the raw energy and movement of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the legendary boxer George Foreman's lasting connection to the Sioux City community.Sioux City Today

George Foreman, the former world heavyweight champion boxer from Texas, passed away in 2025 and was laid to rest in Sioux City, Iowa. Foreman's family revealed that decades ago, he had expressed a desire to be buried in the Sioux City area, citing the picturesque landscape and a sense of peace he felt there. The family said when they arrived in Sioux City, they immediately understood why Foreman had chosen the location for his final resting place.

Why it matters

Foreman's choice to be buried in Iowa, despite being from Texas, highlights the lasting impact a place can have on someone, even after just a brief visit. The story also showcases the warm welcome and support the Foreman family received from the Sioux City community during a difficult time.

The details

George Foreman Jr. and George Foreman V, Foreman's sons, said their father had told them in 1984 that he wanted to be buried in Sioux City. They said Foreman loved the landscape of the Loess Hills state forest near Iowa's western border, as well as the sense of peace he felt there. When the family arrived in Sioux City, they said the area looked exactly as Foreman had described it decades earlier.

  • George Foreman passed away on March 21, 2025.
  • Foreman was laid to rest at Logan Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa on April 17, 2025.
  • A monument honoring Foreman was placed at Logan Park earlier that week.

The players

George Foreman

The former world heavyweight champion boxer from Texas who expressed a desire decades ago to be buried in Sioux City, Iowa.

George Foreman Jr.

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

George Foreman V

Foreman's grandson who said the family immediately understood why Foreman chose Sioux City as his final resting place.

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 a public memorial service for George Foreman in Sioux City in the coming weeks to allow the community to pay their respects.

The takeaway

George Foreman's choice to be buried in Sioux City, Iowa, despite being from Texas, demonstrates the profound impact a place can have on someone, even from a brief visit. The warm welcome and support the Foreman family received from the Sioux City community during this difficult time underscores the kindness and community spirit that Foreman himself embodied.