Donald P. Schendel

Donald P. Schendel, age 91, of Pocahontas, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Arlington Place in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Donald Paul Schendel was born on April 25, 1935, in Cylinder, Iowa. He was the son of Erwin and Katherine (Grossmeyer) Schendel. He attended country school through the eighth grade and later attended Mechanic School in Chicago. Don also served in the Korean War from 1955 to 1957. On August 22, 1959, Don was united in marriage to Donna Hopkins in Ware, Iowa. The couple lived in Audubon, Iowa until 1965 when they settled in Pocahontas, Iowa. Don worked as an auto mechanic at S & H Motors in Pocahontas and later started his own business, Hwy 4 Auto Repair in Pocahontas for many years. Don also enjoyed working along side his son-in-law at Ries’s Water Service. Donna passed away in 2007 and Don continued to make his home in Pocahontas.

Don was a member of Hope Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, casino trips, playing cards during noon hour, morning coffee conversations, tinkering on almost anything and helping others whenever needed.

Survivors include his daughter, Diane (Tom) Ries of Pocahontas and son, David Schendel of Helmsburg, IN; grandchildren, Kallie Sheda of Laurens and Michael (Samantha) Ries of Manson; great-grandchildren, Mariah Hill and Thomas Sheda of Laurens; sisters, Betty (Ray) Ohlinger of Pocahontas and Rose Edge of Laurens

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; daughter, Debra and sisters, Barbara Rigby, Ruth Schendel and Virginia Perrigo.