Ina Jean Schertz

Ina Jean Schertz

Cedar Rapids

Ina Jean Schertz, 95, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on January 28, 2024. Ina Jean was born on January 6, 1929 in Whiting, Indiana. A first generation American, she was one of two children born to Richard and Ina Randall Linn who immigrated to the United States from Lynedoch, Ontario, Canada. Ina Jean graduated from George Rogers Clark Senior High School in 1946 and enrolled at the University of Indiana soon after.

Ina Jean met her husband, Donald (Don) J. Schertz, through friends in Whiting, Indiana where he was employed by the Standard Oil Company. They married on September 6, 1952 and went on to become the proud parents of five children. Don’s career led them to live in eight different cities across the United States, with Ina Jean creating a loving home wherever they moved. They eventually settled down for retirement in Houston, Texas where they spent the remaining years of their marriage before Don passed away in 1996. Ina Jean continued to call Houston home, where she created many more fond memories with her children and grandchildren for the next 23 years before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 90 years young, to be closer to family.

Despite moving so frequently throughout her adult life, Ina Jean never shied away from making lifelong friendships thanks to her affable, quick-witted nature. She enjoyed spending her time playing bridge with friends, researching her family’s genealogy, reading the latest novel from her book club, masterfully completing the daily New York Times crossword puzzle, and engaging in lively political discussions. She was a skilled needle-pointer, having created countless pieces, including cherished Christmas stockings for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ina Jean is credited within her family for introducing them to the many delectable regional cuisines she loved, collected from the various cities she called home. Her remarkable strength, tenacity, and indomitable spirit endeared her to everyone who had the privilege of loving her.

Ina Jean is survived by her five children, David (Sheryl) Schertz, Karl (Sally) Schertz, Nancy (Mike) Walker, Neal J. (Theresa) Schertz, and Lee Ann (Tim) Rhatigan; her 12 grandchildren, James (Marcy) Walker, Lindsey (Eric) Miller, Ryan Schertz, Caroline (Chris) Larson, Michael (Melissa) Schertz, Kimberly Schertz, Neal A. (Angela) Schertz, Matthew (Lauren) Schertz, Austin (Mimi) Rhatigan, Nicole (Mike) Prousa, Donald R. Schertz, and Audra Rhatigan; and her 9 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Cedar Memorial Park on April 27, 2024.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.