Steven Schmitz, 55, of Washington, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, following a lengthy and courageous illness.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Fr. Dane Dickinson officiating. Calling hours will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been established for an education fund for Steve’s sons, Aidan and Luke. Online condolences may be sent for Steve’s family at www.jonesfh.com

Steve was born on September 26, 1970, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Marvin and Jann (Munson) Schmitz. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then the University of Iowa. On November 8, 2003, he married Jody Drew in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and together they made their home in Washington, Iowa, where they built a life centered around family.

At the heart of that life were his sons, Aidan and Luke. Steve loved watching them play sports. Although Steve’s illness often limited his ability to attend events, he loved every opportunity to watch them play. His pride in who they were growing up to be was evident to everyone around him. Even as illness gradually narrowed what he was physically able to do, his devotion to his boys never wavered — they were, without question, the focus of his world and the greatest joy of his life.

Family was very important to Steve, and he was always happy to spend time in Bettendorf with his mom and siblings. Steve loved discussing a variety of topics. Steve’s knowledge seemed to span every subject imaginable, and he explained things thoroughly, thoughtfully, and sometimes far beyond our attention spans. When at home, he could be found rocking in his chair with a good book, enjoying the company of the family dogs, or settling in for a movie night with his kids — evenings he treasured most of all.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jody Schmitz; his sons, Aidan and Luke Schmitz; his mother, Jann Schmitz of Bettendorf, Iowa; his brothers, Jeff Schmitz of Florida and Doug (Lacy) Schmitz of Bettendorf, Iowa; his sister, Angie Christensen of Bettendorf, Iowa; his nieces, Emma Christensen and Clara Schmitz; and his nephew, Hugh Schmitz.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sarah Drew; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mark (Paulette) Drew, Diane (Mike) Micka, Gary (LeAnn) Drew, Julie (Joe) Corpstein, and Andrea Drew; along with many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Schmitz; his father-in law, Don Drew; and his brothers-in-law, Duane and Casey Drew.