In Memory of Donna N. Schmidt

Donna N. Schmidt, age 87, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 28, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Reverend Kevin J. Freese will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Donna Nola (Wood) Schmidt, the daughter of Kenneth and Ella (Hansen) Wood, was born on March 3, 1934, in Ida Grove, Iowa. She grew up in Ida Grove and was baptized and confirmed in her faith at the United Methodist Church.

On June 27, 1949, Donna was united in marriage to Thomas Schmidt and the couple made their home in Battle Creek, Iowa. To this union came four blessings: Kerwin, Gena, Darci and Marci. Donna enjoyed being a farm wife and homemaker. She will be remembered for her homemade bread and always having some type of baked good to share with her family and those who stopped by.

Donna was a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek where she was a past elder and served on the Presbyterian women’s funeral luncheon committee. Donna also worked elections and volunteered on the Lion’s Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and euchre, crocheting, and doing crossword puzzles. 

Donna’s greatest joys in her life were her children. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Gena (Tom) Prazan of Omaha, NE, Darci Barrett of Battle Creek, IA and Marci (Gary) Peterson of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Erin Prazan, Austin Barrett, Kyler Peterson and Tessa Peterson; brother Frances “Woody” (Cheryl) Wood of Dewey, AZ; brother-in-law Edward (Judy) Schmidt of Battle Creek, IA and Merlin Rabe of Ida Grove, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Ella Wood; husband Thomas “Tom” Schmidt; son Kerwin Schmidt; brothers Everett Wood and Eugene Wood; sisters Delores Vickery, Charlotte Putensen and Shirley Rabe.