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Donald Schwickerath

donald schwickerath

May 10, 1936 ~ February 26, 2024

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Donald Leo Schwickerath, age 87, of New Hampton, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 26, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday March 2, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Hampton with Rev. Jim Goerend officiating. Military interment honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton with Mitchell Clemens, Blake Wiegmann, Seth Wiegmann, Brent Sands, Shawn Schwickerath and Mike Schmitt serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 1st at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in New Hampton. Further visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Donald was born on May 10, 1936, in Colo, IA, the fourth child of Leo and Catherine (Coleman) Schwickerath. Donald's upbringing in North Washington, Iowa, surrounded by his five siblings, laid the foundation for a life filled with adventure, service, and love. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in North Washington in 1954, Donald embarked on a new journey by joining the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Polk and Camp Chaffee, he cherished the camaraderie he built with fellow soldiers and the exciting adventures they experienced together. Donald's time in the army became a cherished chapter in his life. Following his military service, Donald encountered the love of his life, Donna Schmitt, at Holly's Restaurant in New Hampton. The two were united in marriage on May 9, 1962, at IC Catholic Church in Charles City. Their union brought forth three children, Regina, Roberta, and Randy, and their home in New Hampton became a hub of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Donald was a man of diverse talents and interests. He started his career at Zips Auto Body before taking the entrepreneurial leap to establish New Hampton Auto Body, a business he successfully ran for many years. In partnership with Jack Rosauer, he also owned and operated the New Hampton Roller Skating Rink, where he reveled in the joy of family gatherings and skating adventures. A social butterfly, Donald had a passion for card games, especially Euchre. Sunday afternoons were dedicated to intense card games at his mother's house, and his regular card club meetings were a source of great enjoyment. He enjoyed adventures of fishing and making homemade horseradish. He, Donna, and friends perfected the horseradish recipe and handed it out to many who enjoyed the "heat." His love for engaging conversations extended to everyone he met, and he was known for his willingness to help others, earning him the prestigious Life Saving Award at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Donald's strong faith was a guiding force in his life, and he was a loyal parishioner at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton. He and Donna attended 4 o'clock Mass every Saturday and watched Sunday morning Mass regularly, nurturing their spiritual connection. Donald is survived by his wife Donna of New Hampton, one son, Randy Schwickerath of New Hampton, two daughters, Regina (Scott) Sterbenz of Johnston, Roberta (Bret) Wiegmann of Adkins, TX; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Carlin of New Hampton; one sister-in-law, Karen Schwickerath of New Hampton. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Francis Schwickerath, Marianne (Donald) Mashek, Kathleen (Donald) Sullivan, Merle Schwickerath; brother-in-law, Michael Carlin.

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  76. Sorry for death of Don,Donna. Many memories with Don through the years at the N.H. Body shop and clear back with him at Zips. God Bless. R.I.P. Don.

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  84. So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. We will
    miss him at the family gatherings at Mona’s house. Our deepest sympathy to you, Donna, and all of your family.

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  85. Thoughts and prayers to Donna and families. You were my first neighbors when we moved to New Hampton. He will be missed.

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  86. Such a great man. Sending prayers to his family. He is my hero pulling me out of an accident in 1982! Jeanne Roder

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  103. Sorry to hear about Dons passing. Knew him all my life.and never met a nicer man.He will be missed.will say prayers for him and his family. Ronald Schaufenbuel.

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  106. Blessings and hugs to the family.
    So many memories we made with this family. Neighbors for 33 years, the games, fish fry’s, making horseradish, potlucks and the stories that were discussed in the garage are endless laughs. Donny will be missed.
    Bill, Denise, Mitchell and Marshall

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  107. A lot of good memories when I think of the family from being in the old neighborhood, when we ran the skating rink together, to all those times hunting horse radish, snow mobiling, fishing and helping at The Gobblers Knob. Sharing our lives together while we are here on earth is what it is all about and Donny helped make it happen. Special prayers for Donny as he will be missed! Kendall Rosauer

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  108. Donna and Family. We send our condolences and prayers to you at this time. Always enjoyed a good visit with Don.

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  110. Always remember the good conversations Donnie and I had when I stored my equipment at his facility…he was a great guy guy. RIP!

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