Cynthia Lou “Cindy” Schadler, 66, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home in Dubuque, with a prayer vigil beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

Cindy was born on February 17, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, to William and Mary Lou Schmit.

She was one of six children. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1978 and later returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Loras College in 2012.

Cindy married Paul Schadler in 1986, and together they had two sons, Nicholas & Michael.

Throughout her career, Cindy dedicated herself to serving others through her work at Loras College, Goodwill, and the Dubuque Community School District. She was a woman of strong faith and a devoted parishioner of St. Columbkille Catholic Church. She generously volunteered her time to support her local churches and community.

Cindy was known for her selfless heart and her desire to live a simple and meaningful life. She found fulfillment in helping others and never sought more than she needed for herself.

Cindy’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She was their strongest cheerleader, their voice of reason, and a constant source of guidance in their faith. Her love, strength, and example will remain with them always.

Cindy is survived by her sons, Nicholas (Samantha) Schadler and Michael Schadler; her beloved grandchildren; her mother, Mary Lou Schmit; her siblings, Gary (Tammy) Schmit, Dianne (Ted) Cavanaugh, Terry Schmit, William (Irene) Schmit, Julie Roos; and many other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Schadler; her father, William Schmit; and her brother-in-law, Phil Roos.

Cindy’s family would like to thank her dear friend Sue, her daughter-in-law Samantha, and her sister Dianne for their love, support, and compassionate care during her final months, weeks, and days. Their presence brought great comfort to Cindy and her family.

The family would also like to thank the many friends and relatives who helped Cindy get to and from appointments, stopped by to visit, checked in, and offered words of encouragement throughout her diagnosis, as well as the University of Iowa Palliative Care and Oncology teams for their compassionate care and support.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.