Schmidt, Donna Louise

Donna Louise Schmidt, 90, of Iowa City, died peacefully Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona from complications of a hip fracture. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Lensing Funeral Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. A private burial will take place at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Sharon Center.

Survivors include her three children, Sally Fritz (Ted) of Newton, Mass., and David (Susan) Schmidt and John (Allison York) Schmidt of Iowa City; grandchildren, Kimberly Fritz of Kirkland, Wash., Deborah Fritz of Santa Fe, N.M., Alex (Gen Anglin) Schmidt of Iowa City, Benjamin (Elsa) Schmidt of Iowa City and Gregory (Stephanie) Fritz of Clinton, Mass.; and six great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Fred Schmidt; parents, Elmer and Helen Ayers; and her three brothers.

Donna was born Nov. 2, 1921, in Brandon, Iowa. In her early years Donna's father moved frequently as he rented farms throughout Eastern Iowa, and as a result, Donna attended schools in more than a dozen districts. So, Donna relished the stability of her years with husband Fred and family in rural Johnson County. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in nursing and worked at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. As a school nurse at the university preschool, Donna comforted many small children, young parents and college students.

Donna was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed bridge, travel, friends and any activity with her family. One highlight was Donna and Fred's 60th anniversary cruise to Alaska accompanied by 23 family members.

Memorials may be directed to the Donna Schmidt Memorial Fund.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at

Published Nov. 19, 2011, in The Gazette