Donna Marie Schmidt, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully at her home in Nora Springs on November 24, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 16, 1933, in the same close-knit community, Donna’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her career, and her passions.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Friday, November 29, 2024, at Sheckler Colonial Chapel 114 N Hawkeye Ave., Nora Springs, IA 50458. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Donna will be laid to rest in Park Cemetery beside her husband, Robert and daughter Denise.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mason City Family YMCA or St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Donna’s honor.
A proud graduate of Nora Springs High School, class of 1952, Donna furthered her education in Pensacola, Florida, and Wheatsville, North Carolina, where she honed her skills to become a dental assistant. Her career spanned over five decades, with the majority of those years spent assisting Dr. Miller, and prior to that, Dr. Turner.
Donna’s commitment to her community was evident through her active membership at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Nora Springs and her enthusiastic participation in the various bowling Leagues both in Nora Springs and Mason City. Even at the age of 90, Donna’s competitive spirit shone brightly as she continued to enjoy the sport of bowling, only recently having slowed down.
Her interests were as warm and inviting as her personality. Donna found joy in crocheting, creating beautiful pieces that were often gifted to those she loved. In moments of solitude, she found solace in the simplicity of word searches and crossword puzzles. A nature lover at heart, she would spend time watching the birds that her beloved husband fed.
Donna’s kitchen was a place of magic and memories, especially when it came to baking with her granddaughters. She instilled in them the love of creating sweet treats, ensuring that the aroma of freshly baked goods was a constant in her home. She also enjoyed playing board and card games, especially Yathzee!, where she seemed to have a magic touch with the dice.
Traveling was another joy for Donna and Robert when they were able. Their adventures together created a tapestry of memories that Donna cherished deeply. Her stories of their travels brought smiles and inspiration to those who listened.
Donna is survived by her loving family, including her son-in-law, Ken (Karen) Herout, of Varna, IL; her granddaughters, Faith Herout of Nora Springs, and Kimberly Herout of Varna, IL; nephew, Butch (Vicky) Johnson; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Velma (VanHooser) Marah; her husband Robert Schmidt; her daughter, Denise Herout; her brother, Keith Marah; and sisters, Maxine Riden, Bonnie Marah, and Beverly Marah.
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