Nancy Carol Schau, 78, of Donnellson, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at her home. She was born on Dec. 17, 1945, in Montrose, the daughter of Guerden Sr. and Sadie Schiller Christensen. On Oct. 29, 1966, she married Gary Schau at Keokuk United Church of Christ.
Nancy was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She graduated from Central Lee High School in Donnellson, Iowa in 1964, completed airline school, and started working for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids. During her forty-four-year career, she served as a secretary at Farm Bureau, Central Lee Schools, and Southeastern Community College before retiring Nov. 2010.Nancy deeply cherished spending time with her family, specifically spoiling her grandchildren and chasing them to all their sports and activities. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, and sewing. She was especially happy when she was in the kitchen cooking for others. Nancy delighted in baking pies and cakes, often sharing her creations with others at charity functions and weddings.
For many years she served as treasurer for her church, Donnellson Presbyterian Church, and in the community organizations she was a member of: TTT and the American Legion Auxiliary #474 both in Donnellson.
Survivors include her loving husband: Gary; two children: Anthony (Kim) Schau of North Liberty, Iowa, and Jeff (Amy) Schau of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren: Kia (Drew) Wagner of Tiffin, Iowa; Alexis Schau and fiancée Kaden McAreavy of North Liberty, Iowa, Hunter Schau of North Liberty, Iowa and Will Schau of Kansas City, Missouri; and great-grandchild: Everlee Wagner of Tiffin. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held from 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson where the family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Tony Keefe officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Donnellson American Legion.
Following the memorial service, her body will be entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
Burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for the American Legion Auxiliary #474.Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements.