Suzanne Lynn (Schmidt) Van Zandt

     Suzanne Lynn Van Zandt, the daughter of Richard “Dick” and Norma Jean (Akins) Schmidt, was born on December 4, 1954, in Des Moines.  She grew up in Baxter and graduated from Baxter High School in 1973. At Baxter, she was a multi-sport accomplished athlete. After high school, Suzanne moved to Newton.  She worked as a secretary for the State of Iowa for a few years before taking a job at the Maytag Company in 1985.  On November 25, 1998, Suzanne was united in marriage with Edward Van Zandt in Newton.  Suzanne retired from Maytag in 2005.    After that, she worked for the Newton Community School district and helped at the polls for local elections.

     Suzanne was a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and UAW Local 997.  She enjoyed playing cards, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family.  Suzanne was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and liked getting together with her high school friends for a monthly lunch.  She also loved lighthouses and her dogs.

     Suzanne died at the age of 71 on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Valley Vista Nursing and Rehab in Newton.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Randolph Schmidt; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

     Suzanne is survived by her husband, Edward Van Zandt of Newton; children, Darin (Heather) Clymer of Grinnell, Justin Clymer of Ankeny, Lisa (Bob) Boyden of Las Vegas, and Andrea Stubblefield of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Ciara Holder, Maddison Stoner, Lydia Clymer, Rachel Clymer, Josiah Clymer, Justice Clymer, Mercy Clymer, Luke Clymer, Joey Hoskins, Kaylee Burns, Brandon VanGroll, and Cheyenne Stubblefield; her great-grandchildren, Rosie, Remy, Jaxson, Prudence, and Phoebe; sister, Judy Francis of Plano, Texas; her aunt, Verna Scott of South Carolina; many friends including Carol Davidson of Newton; and several cousins. 

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