Donald A. “Pops” Schemmel, 87, of Waupeton, Iowa, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, peacefully at home.

Friends and family may visit Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 218 Main St. North Buena Vista, IA. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Marvin Bries officiating at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial and full military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #137 will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Don was born in Cascade, Iowa on July 23, 1938, the son of Anthony and Ida (Kremer) Schemmel. He attended Derby Grange School through the eighth grade. He proceeded to work on the family farm until 1961, when he joined the United States Army. He served two years active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis as a light vehicle driver.

He married Diane Merfeld on October 29, 1966, at St. Joseph the Worker in Dubuque, Iowa. Don spent his career as a small engine mechanic in the garage at John Deere Dubuque Works from 1965-1996 and retired after 30 years of service.

Don was a member of the Balltown and Asbury Snowmobile clubs for many years. He also enjoyed working at the Buenie Picnic every year and served as the official money carrier. Most of all Don enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Waupeton, where he served as the water works coordinator. He enjoyed quiet days of fishing, going for pontoon rides, hosting fish fries, and snowmobiling with his many friends. He loved his family with all his heart. He was the best father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he knew.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane, of 59 years; their children: Rodney (Dawn) Schemmel, Lisa (Joe) Rettenmeier of Dubuque, and Lynette (Dane) Wilwert of North Buena Vista; grandchildren: Ashley (Justin) Becker, Jacob (Emily) Schemmel, Matthew Schemmel, Lukas Rettenmeier, Joshua (Summer) Rettenmeier, Dustin (Emily) Wilwert, Tyler (Brianna Krum) Wilwert, and Addison Wilwert; great grandchildren: Dason, Paxton, Lennox Wilwert, Bexleigh Becker, and soon to be Baby Boy Rettenmeier; siblings: Elsie Payton, Joyce Tigges, Marge Schemmel, Joe (Diane) Schemmel, Tony Schemmel, Bob (Cindy) Schemmel, Coralee Schaumburg, and Chuck (Sharon) Schemmel; siblings-in-law: Millie (Randy) Dolter, David Merfeld, Eldon (Connie) Merfeld, Carol Miller, Shirley Smith, Adele Merfeld, and Pat Merfeld.

He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Nick and Marie Merfeld; siblings Wayne (Millie) Schemmel, Jim Schemmel, Rick (Carol) Schemmel, Laura Schemmel, Lois (Bob) Gruel, Delrose (Pete) O’Meara, and Fred Schaumburg.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

We are so thankful for the people who made life easier for the Schemmel Family. Those individuals include Hospice caregivers-Betsy, Ryan, and Jennie. Friends: Jim Osterburger, Tom Brimeyer (Balltown), Dale and Mary Doty. Grandchildren who stayed with grandpa during his final days: Lukas Rettenmeier, Tyler Wilwert, and Jacob Schemmel, along with great niece Jaelyn Grant. We also wanted to say a special thank you to the Sherrill Fire Department for their compassionate care during his final months.