George Foreman, Texas Native, Laid to Rest in Iowa

Foreman's family reveals why the boxing legend chose to be buried in Sioux City

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the silhouettes of two boxers in a ring, the scene broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, brown, and gray, conceptually representing the legacy of boxer George Foreman and his connection to the natural beauty of Iowa.A cubist interpretation of the boxing ring where George Foreman made his mark, now overlaid with the peaceful landscapes of Iowa that inspired the champion's final resting place.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. In a press conference, Foreman's family members explained that decades ago, Foreman had expressed a desire to be buried in the Sioux City area, captivated by the region's picturesque landscapes and kind-hearted people.

Why it matters

Foreman's choice to be buried in Iowa, despite his Texas roots, 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

According to Foreman's son George Foreman Jr., the boxing legend told him in 1984 that he wanted to be buried in Sioux City. Foreman was drawn to the area's Loess Hills state forest and the sense of peace he felt there. When the family arrived in Sioux City after Foreman's passing, they said the area looked exactly as he had described it, and they immediately understood his connection to the region.

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

The players

George Foreman

The former world heavyweight champion boxer, who was from Texas but chose to be buried in Sioux City, Iowa.

George Foreman Jr.

Foreman's son, who revealed his father's long-standing desire to be buried in Sioux City.

George Foreman V

Foreman's grandson, who said the Sioux City area looked exactly as his grandfather had described it.

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 was present at 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 laid to rest in Sioux City, Iowa, despite his Texas roots, 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 their time of grief is a testament to the kindness and compassion that Foreman himself embodied.