Donna Schade 73, of Fort Dodge, IA
Donna Joan (Tracey) Schade, 73, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Donna was born on July 14, 1953, in Macomb, Illinois, to Edwin and Betty Tracey. In 1970, she married her childhood sweetheart, Bob Schade. Together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage and built a loving family with their three children.
Donna devoted many years to raising her children before beginning her career outside the home. She worked in the grocery industry before earning her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and becoming a school bus driver for the Canton School District. She especially loved transporting the district’s youngest students to the early childhood program, where she became a familiar and beloved presence to countless “little learners.” Donna retired from driving in 2022.
In 2023, Donna moved to Fort Dodge to be closer to family. She quickly became a cherished member of the community, known for her generous heart and welcoming spirit. An avid baker, Donna rarely attended a sporting event without homemade chocolate chip cookies or scotcheroos to share with players, coaches, and fans. Her kindness earned her the affectionate nickname “Grandma Donna” among many students at St. Edmond Catholic School.
