Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Iowa Cremation - Cedar Rapids

4200 First Avenue NE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hayley Schmidtke Obituary

Hayley Bernadette Schmidtke (Gorman), 42, passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022. Her visitation will be held from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Unity Center of Cedar Rapids, followed by her memorial service at 2:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will also take place in Southern Oregon in early 2023. Hayley lived wholly undefined by her accomplishments, though certainly what she achieved and the roles she fulfilled in her life were varied and impressive, deserving of a memoir all their own. If one were to ask who Hayley was, however, the timeline of her milestones and boxes checked simply would not suffice. Anyone who knew Hayley has a story of how quickly she could make a connection, how she skipped any semblance of small talk and got straight to drawing out someone’s deepest held joys, opinions, fears, traumas, and dreams with one incisive question; she loved a story in any form and shared her own with the world with searing honesty. The purest example of the strength that is softness, openness to experience, and surrender to the unknown, Hayley balanced the precarious state that is wanting so much to live, all the while contending with the closeness of death. She did so with unbelievable grace and humor, acknowledging the truth of pain but with the conviction that suffering was an option, one she never seemed to choose. Though cancer amplified her quest for joy, she didn’t need a life-altering diagnosis to give herself permission to treat herself to pistachio ice cream or sandwiches, to enjoy the pleasure of a perfectly ripe peach or tomato, to luxuriate in the quiet morning stillness with a cat in her lap and book in her hands; in essence, to put herself “in the way of beauty,� to borrow a line from Cheryl Strayed. She lived fully and intentionally; her breathy chuckle of a laugh never diminished. Hayley is survived by her partner Evan; her mother, Denise Houlahan; and her niece, Kaelyn Hoambrecker. At Hayley’s request, in lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at everloved.com/life-of/hayley-schmidtke-gorman benefiting The Southern Oregon Humane Society and Waypoint Services of Cedar Rapids.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Hayley Schmidtke

Sponsored by Iowa Cremation - Cedar Rapids.

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Diane Holland

December 26, 2024

May the love of family,friends and our Lord comfort you at this very difficult time. Thinking of you, love Diane Holland

Ann Eiben

January 7, 2023

My thoughts are with you Denise as you go through this difficult time. I remember the conversations we shared with each other about our children. Please know that we are praying for you and your family to help you through this process of grieving for Hayley.
Ann Eiben

Diane

January 2, 2023

My deepest sympathy to you Denise at this very difficult time. I grew with you at work and we always talked about our kids and what they were doing in their lives so feel I knew Hayley even though I never met her. My heart is broken for you and pray for comfort. Love and hugs to you, Diane Holland

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Hayley Schmidtke's name

Memorial Events
for Hayley Schmidtke

Jan

4

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Unity Center

Cedar Rapids, IA

Jan

4

Memorial service

2:30 p.m.

Unity Center

Cedar Rapids, IA

Funeral services provided by:

Iowa Cremation - Cedar Rapids

4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

How to support Hayley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Hayley Schmidtke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more