Deanna “Dea” L. Schminkey

Deanna “Dea” L. Schminkey

Ely

Deanna “Dea” L. Schminkey, 83, of Ely, Iowa, passed away on Monday, Oct. 09, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dea is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert of Ely, Iowa; five children, John (Linda Gilgenback) of McGregor, Minn.; Joe (Mary) of Maybell, Colo.; David (Dawn) of Neosho, Mo.; Robert (Brandi) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and James (Jill Crawford) of Keystone, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a sister, Judith (Doug) Holets of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and many loving extended family members and friends.

She was preceded by her parents; a son, Mark; and two brothers, Robert and Bud Fite.

Deanna was born Aug. 11, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Fredrick and Hazel (Brimmer) Fite. She was united in marriage to Robert Schminkey on June 15, 1957, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dea was co-owner of Dea and Bob’s Auto Repair. She and Bob opened the business in 1972, and Dea was the secretary and bookkeeper. She was a lifelong member of the Central Assembly of God Church. Dea was a Sunday school teacher and served as secretary for many years at the church.

She was known for her exquisite seamstress work, embroidery, and crocheting. Dea enjoyed making clothing for children overseas and crocheting blankets. Most importantly, she loved spending time with family. Dea will be remembered as a loving mother, wife, sister and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Central Assembly of God Church: 3030 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Dea’s family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.