Obituary of Jeffrey D. Schuldt

Jeffrey David Schuldt, age 63 died at home in Iowa City on January 13, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held in the summertime. In lieu of flowers the family would suggest a memorial donation to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center Foundation (donate online securely through - facf.networkforgood.com, or send donations to P.O. Box 1345, Iowa City, IA 52244.) To share a thought, memory or condolence with Jeff’s family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Jeff was born on October 1, 1957 to David Schuldt and Sally (Gabrielson) Schuldt. He grew up in Iowa City along with his sister Joy Schuldt (John) Johnson and brother Dr. Gabe (Natalie) Schuldt. Jeff received his education at West High School in Iowa City, at Simpson College in Indianola and the University of Iowa. Jeff gained family members brother Mark (Liz) Mathis and sister Randal Ann (Bill) Klaproth when Jeff’s mom married Mark Mathis II in 1980. The family expanded again when Jeff’s dad married Sandra (Matthes) Schuldt in 1987 and Lisa (Bob) Barleen and Michelle Matthes (Will Adcock) joined the family. Jeff enjoyed fun times with his blended families especially at holiday times, and on the beaches of Florida. On January 19, 2002 Jeff married Donna Gentry at sunset on a favorite Kona beach in Hawaii. They made their home in Iowa City. Jeff spent most of his adult years working at the UIHC. He always enjoyed interactions with patients, their families and his fellow staff members. Jeff and Donna have been long time volunteers at the Iowa City Animal Shelter and have provided foster care to innumerable animals. Jeff enjoyed books and was a voracious reader. He loved the outdoors. Camping, biking and spending time on the water with their kayaks was a source of enjoyment for Jeff and Donna. Live music was always a source of great pleasure for the couple whether at a local venue or a Chicago blues club. Music festivals were a wonderful get-away be it Blues or Bluegrass. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest and its surrounding culture, food and music were a favorite. Jeff was skilled at home repair and enjoyed the challenge of purchasing and remodeling his turn of the century home in the “Goosetown” neighborhood of Iowa City. Health issues through the years weren’t easy but Jeff felt thankful for his life and for his best friend and beloved wife Donna. Jeff was a gentle, intelligent man and throughout his life he remained positive and humble. He cherished all his relationships with friends and family. He was eager to find ways he could be helpful to others and asked for very little for himself. During the last days of Jeff’s life, aided by hospice, he was lovingly cared for at home by his wife, mother, brother, and sister. Jeff is survived by his wife, Donna Gentry and his mother, Sally Mathis Hartwig; and step-mother, Sandra Schuldt; his siblings and their spouses. Jeff is also survived by his large extended families including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and Donna’s family, her mother, Bev Gentry; Donna’s siblings; Deb Good (Mickey), Dan Gentry (Kelly), and Diane Benton (Jim) all who were precious to him. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Rev. David Schuldt; step-fathers, Mark Mathis II and Marvin Hartwig and father-in-law, John Gentry.