Donna Schade

Donna Joan (Tracey) Schade, 73, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on July 14, 1953, in Macomb, Illinois, to Edwin and Betty Tracey. In 1970, she married her childhood sweetheart, Bob Schade. Together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage and built a loving family with their three children.

Donna devoted many years to raising her children before beginning her career outside the home. She worked in the grocery industry before earning her Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and becoming a school bus driver for the Canton School District. She especially loved transporting the district's youngest students to the early childhood program, where she became a familiar and beloved presence to countless "little learners." Donna retired from driving in 2022.

In 2023, Donna moved to Fort Dodge to be closer to family. She quickly became a cherished member of the community, known for her generous heart and welcoming spirit. An avid baker, Donna rarely attended a sporting event without homemade chocolate chip cookies or scotcheroos to share with players, coaches, and fans. Her kindness earned her the affectionate nickname "Grandma Donna" among many students at St. Edmond Catholic School.

Donna found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved sewing and creating things with her hands, and she was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan whose passion for baseball ran deep. For many years, she served as the baseball statistician, combining her love of the game with her meticulous attention to detail. Nothing brought Donna greater joy than supporting her grandchildren. Whether attending concerts, recitals, or sporting events, she was always their biggest fan. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like a friend. Donna treasured time spent with family and friends, especially when it included a cup of coffee, laughter, and sharing stories.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Schade; her father, Edwin Tracey; and her brother, Edwin Tracey Jr.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Amber (Jeff) Olson of Omaha, Nebraska; Brent Schade of Jacksonville, Florida; Heather (Adam) Royster of Duncombe, Iowa; her six beloved grandchildren, Brent Schade Jr., Cale Schade, Sydney Olson, Eliza Olson, Luke Royster, Garrett Royster; her mother, Betty Tracey; and her bonus daughter, Nancy Rabel.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the St. Edmond Catholic High School Athletic Boosters or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family.