116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Daniel L. Schmidt
Daniel L. Schmidt
Cedar Rapids
Daniel L. Schmidt, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2023. He was born on Sept. 15, 1951, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Mary E. Dickenson (Martin) and Stanley T. Schmidt. He graduated from Sigourney High School in 1970, excelling in athletics. He worked various jobs, including bouncing at local bars and working in masonry. He spoke highest of his favorite career driving for local trucking companies, taking memorable trips across Canada and the continental United States while working for companies like Sharkey and RFK.
Dan shared his life in marriage with JoAnn Hoffpauir and Cara Clausen Fox and is survived by the children from these unions. Although both marriages ended in divorce, his love for his family remained his most cherished legacy, especially as "Grandpa."
Dan had many passions, which he shared enthusiastically with others. He was a skilled bowler in Cedar Rapids bowling leagues, known for near-perfect and perfect games. He enjoyed card games, particularly Pinochle, and was fiercely competitive. He was also a dedicated racing fan, frequently attending events at Hawkeye Downs, Knoxville, and his most recent trip to the Indy 500. Later in life, he found joy in fishing and gardening with his partner Sheila Holland.
Among all his passions, music held a special place in his heart. He was a rock and blues enthusiast who organized concerts and loved attending live music events. He often shared stories from these experiences and bonded with his children over music.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle, Robert H. Martin.
He is survived by his children, Travis (Theresa) Hoffpauir, Anna (Kaidyn Hamilton) Schmidt and Chloe Schmidt; his favorite grandchild, Lorelai Schmidt Garrels; his three sisters, Jenny Marie (Dave) Thompson, Robbie (Bill) Albertson and Deborah Kay (Randy) Schultz; along with seven nieces and nephews and his best friend, Doug Stepanek, among many others.
The family extends a special thank-you to the nurses and doctors in the Intensive Care Center at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Dan lived life unapologetically, embracing each day to the fullest.
A public visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22, at Holm Funeral Home in Sigourney, with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. Arrangements Holm Funeral Home.
Daily Newsletters