FR. ANTHONY PICK

Fr. Anthony Pick, 84, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Holy Spirit Nursing Home in Sioux City. Fr. Pick was born on November 20, 1941, in Alton, Iowa to Lawrence and Cecilia Pletschette Pick and was the oldest of six children. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1967, and faithfully served the Catholic Church throughout his life in both the Sioux City Diocese and Winona-Rochester Diocese. Anthony knew he wanted to be a priest since the second grade and dedicated his life to serving God and others with compassion, faith, and humility. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and a master’s in education degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. A lover of travel, he spent time all over Europe and South America, and shared his faith across the globe through mission work including in China. He served parishes across Iowa, with assignments in Fort Dodge, Emmetsburg, Boone, Gilmore City, Lidderdale, Glidden Sutherland, Primghar, Royal and Everly, Coon Rapids, and Dedham. He also served as Diocesan Secretary for the National Catholic Rural Life Office and Chaplain for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Fr. Pick retired and moved to Slayton, MN in 2011 where he assisted at parishes in the western end of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He performed the sacrament of marriage for his two brothers, as well as his eldest niece, two nephews, and even baptized their children. His ministry touched countless lives, and he was deeply respected by parishioners, fellow clergy, friends, and family.

Fr. Pick was a fitness enthusiast in his youth and an avid storyteller. He was deeply devoted to his family. He enjoyed meeting new people and was known for his wonderful sense of humor. His kindness, faith, and caring spirit will always be remembered. Fr. Anthony Pick lived a full life centered on faith, family, and service to God.

He is survived by his brothers, Ray (Janice) Pick of Rio Rancho, NM, Phil Pick of Slayton, MN and Walter (Ina) Pick of Avoca, MN; his nephews Andy (Katie) Pick of Avoca, MN, Adam (Emily) Pick of Avoca, MN, Ryan Pick of Sioux Falls, SD, and his nieces, Rachelle Pick ( Mike) of Sioux Falls, SD, Stephanie (Gabe) Baca of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Natalie Lehman of Lexington, South Carolina; along with many relatives, friends, parishioners, and fellow clergy members. Fr. Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Cecilia, infant brother Adam Peter Pick and younger brother, Leander Pick. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton, Mn on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist was Judy Andrews. The song leader was Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers were Andy Pick, Adam Pick, Ryan Pick, Justin Pick, Gabe Baca, and Mike Witkop. Interment is at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Avoca, MN.

May perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com