Donald "Don" Lynn Schott

Donald "Don" Lynn Schott

Cedar Rapids

Donald “Don” Lynn Schott, 71, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, after a long and brave journey with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

Born December 16, 1953, to Howard and Maxine Schott, Don grew up in Cedar Rapids, where he learned the value of showing up, doing your best, and taking care of what and who matters most.

Don spent his career doing what he loved: making, fixing, building, and solving. Whether working at Duane Arnold, Goss, Iowa Precision, or Apache Hose and Belting, he earned a reputation as a hard worker and a trusted teammate.

At home, Don was a true caretaker of people, animals, projects, and land. He first became a father to Lindsay, with Janis Kiley. He later married Donna (Bruce) Schott, and together they raised Savanah and Dawson on a cherished acreage where Don could often be found fixing fences, feeding animals, or working with his hands.

He had a deep love for the outdoors, whether boating, fishing, camping, or simply being outside. Even in his 60s, he could still slalom ski and do backflips on the trampoline just to prove he could. He loved his goats and donkey, his loyal springer spaniels, and his family more than anything. His favorite days were spent working outdoors, sharing a drink with friends, and “maxin’ and relaxin’” in good company. And if you heard his signature whistle, you knew it was time to come home.

Don is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Lindsay (Brett) Kellogg, Savanah (Colton) Benhart, and Dawson Schott; grandchildren, Addison, Kenley, Bayler, and Chloe; and brother, Dennis “Denny” Schott. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Dohlen.

An open house celebrating Don’s life will be held on Monday, April 14 from 4:00-6:00pm at FaithLife (8399 C Avenue, Marion, IA 52302). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wickiup Hill Learning Center (note in memo), a place that reflects Don’s deep connection to nature and hands-on learning.