Dolores Schnittjer

Dolores Pearl (Richmond) Schnittjer, a devoted mother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026 in her home. After a day of sunshine and visiting with friends, she closed her eyes, with her Bible in front of her bookmarked at Psalm 23 and stepped into the arms of our loving Savior. She was surely greeted by her devoted husband, loving parents, and faithful friends as she crossed the threshold of Heaven.

Dolores entered this world on May 4,1940, the daughter of Wayne Clark Richmond and Bernice Prull Richmond. She was born on the family farm outside the small northern Iowa town of Armstrong. Dolores was the youngest child with siblings Donald and Barbara Ann welcoming her to the family. Wayne and Bernice’s home was one that honored traditions, education, faith, hospitality, discipline and above all else, the importance of family. These values were instilled in their children. As a youngster, Dolores loved kittens, baby dolls and music. To her displeasure, she detasseled corn in the hot Iowa summers. Called Dory by her family, she was a happy, active child who dreamed big dreams under the endless blue Iowa skies.

In adolescence, Dolores was active in Basketball, 4H, Band, and Choir. She played the clarinet in band and learned to play the piano. Dolores had a beautiful concert soprano voice and excelled in her singing. She won many school and state vocal contests. Beautiful and athletic, she always ready for fun and shenanigans. She was popular with her peers and crowned Band Queen while in high school.

Dolores graduated from Armstrong High School in 1958. She yearned for adventure and desired to chase her musical dreams, but with the encouragement of her parents, attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA to take up the family tradition of being an educator. She received her Teaching Certification and for a short time, she taught elementary education.

In the summer of 1959, she joined her sister Barbara and her beau Norman Tolsdorf for an evening of dancing at the Roof Garden Ballroom at Lake Okoboji, IA. It was at this dance, that she met Norman’s friend, a fellow grain businessman, Richard Schnittjer, and their romance began. Richard (Dick) and Dolores’ love blossomed and on Christmas Eve 1959, Richard asked her to be his bride. Richard and Dody (his nickname for her), were wed on July 10,1960 in Armstrong, IA at the First Presbyterian Church. It was the hottest day of the summer in an unairconditioned church, and the ice cream was melting, but their lasting union of 57 wedded years began. They honeymooned in North Dakota and then made their first home in Swea City, IA where Dick was the grain elevator manager with Quaker Oats and later with Cargill.

In the summer of 1961, the day after their 1st anniversary, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kimberly Kay. Dolores relished motherhood and became a stay-at-home wife and mother. Richard and Dolores welcomed two more children into their lives, a bouncing baby boy, Wade Aaron, whom Dolores often called “Sunshine” and the baby of the family, a daughter, Nancy Renee. Each child was loved and cherished.

Dolores was a loving and nurturing mother who was always there for her children in every way. Her children were her greatest passion and joy. She filled the family home with love, laughter, wonderful smells, warmth, and endless support. She offered her shoulder for tears, her arms for the best hugs, and gentle encouragement for Kimberly, Wade, and Nancy. She was their biggest champion and knew their individual hearts better than they knew themselves. She supported their dreams and held them close to her heart. Always present, always available to them, she was their mother and best friend. Dolores instilled her love of music, faith, and family in her children and they were blessed to be her lasting legacy. Each birthday was made special and each holiday, especially Christmas, were wonderful celebrations. Family gatherings were frequent, fun-filled, and important. As her children grew, Dolores worked at various professions from local retail stores to a photography studio, but motherhood was always her chosen calling. Whether young children or grown adults, she was always the soft, safe haven for each of her children and eventually for her grandchildren whom she loved and adored with all her heart. She was the greatest mother and Meme/Grandma that there has ever been.

Richard and Dolores made homes in Clarion, IA, Gibson City, IL, Spencer, IA and eventually moved to Nashville, TN in 1996 to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. She was active in the United Methodist Choir. She and Richard served as leaders of the High School Youth Group. They loved to dance and did so every opportunity they had.

Throughout the years, together they travelled the US in the family car, and made trips to Portugal, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, and a wonderful trip to Northern California. Still eager for adventure, Dolores even travelled solo to Italy after she became a widow.

Dolores loved to shop and decorate her home. She loved clothes and always was put together right down to her accessories. She created a home that was beautiful and welcomed family and friends with open arms. She had a zest for life and a joyful laugh that would eventually bring tears to her eyes.