Our beloved Kelli Elaine Schmitz left us all too soon. She was born June 9, 2010 in Waterloo, Iowa. A tragic car accident took her life on February 25, 2025.

News coverage has focused on her role as sole cheerleader for the Don Bosco High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, which sums up her courage, enthusiasm, and generous spirit. But she was so much more than that.

She had a tremendous love for her entire family and her loss leaves a hole in all of their lives. Her classmates and friends attest to her kindness and generosity. She had a unique ability to uplift and inspire others.

Kelli was deeply involved in school activities, requiring boundless energy and skilled juggling of her schedule. Her love of sports showed brightly as she played volleyball and participated in archery. She was a football cheerleader, and most notably, Kelli’s incredible school spirit stood out through her role as the lone cheerleader for both girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. The week of her death, she was to cheer her brother and his teammates in their district basketball game and compete in a state archery competition.

Kelli also had a passion for the arts. She was a dedicated member of choir, marching and concert band, speech, drama, and musicals, sharing her creativity and shining on stage with every performance. She often directed and performed alongside her cousins in home plays. She recently received the solo music of Ave Maria and was excited to begin practice.

Kelli’s faith life was important to her and she led through service to others, including the Lighthouse Team. She sang in the church choir and mentored younger children. Her unwavering belief in the power of love and community inspired everyone around her to live with compassion and grace.

Kelli was an avid reader and loved to learn. Last spring she competed in Read Across Iowa and placed 2nd out of more than 1,500 participants, reading over 7,000 minutes.

She brought joy and energy to everything she pursued, whether school activities or family quilting retreats. You could often find her with a Dr. Pepper or Bubbl’r in hand.

Her candle burned bright.

Kelli is survived by: parents, Ann and Kurt Schmitz, and siblings, Samantha, David, and Tyler of Jesup, Iowa; paternal grandfather Craig Schmitz of La Porte City, Iowa; paternal grandmother Sandy (Travis) Mesenbrink of Dike, Iowa; and maternal grandmother Connie Puffett of Strawberry Point, Iowa.

She is preceded in death by her brother Brandon Schmitz and maternal grandfather Dean Puffett.

As Coach Goodwin said, “Be like Kelli. Be strong, be courageous, be kind, and have a blast doing it.”

Kelli was the epitome of the Light of Christ in the World. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. BCSS shared this statement paying tribute to Kelli to find the best words to embody who Kelli was for so many, she was a light!

Shelby D.

She was the epitome of living like the light of Christ in the world. Kelli was selfless, humble, kind, empathetic, giving, joyful, and so much more. Kelli was giving. She would give and give, even if it was the last of something she had. Kelli never hesitated. Kelli never wavered. So many times I saw Kelli with a snack or a treat and she went out of her way to give anyone around her what she had. She never wanted anyone to be without, even if that meant less for her.

Kaileb A.

Kelli loved to sew. She would come in and tell me about her sewing retreats that she would go on with her mom and was always telling me about the quilts that she was making. Kelli couldn't wait to start sewing in FCS and was going to bring in her own sewing machine. Kelli also loved cooking. A few weeks ago we made pancakes in class and she asked if she could get a copy of the recipe to take home because a friend was coming over and she wanted to make them for her. She reported back on Monday that she was going to try again because they were a little undercooked I couldn't wait to start sewing with Kelli. I know she would have been the best help and would have loved it so much.

Madison B.

One of the last times I talked to Kelli I was talking to her at the basketball game and she was getting ready to cheer and she asked me if her slick back looked good. I said Yes!! and she said she was going to put her bow in and I wished her good luck!

Audrey T.

Multiple teams offered support at the Archery State Tournament

where Kelli was scheduled to take a flight at 11 AM on Saturday, March 1.

When Kelli was in 2nd grade I remember her loving the movie “Trolls.” Every accessory she had was Trolls themed. She even had the best Halloween costume with a homemade Poppy wig made out of bright pink yarn. Kelli always came to school smiling and enthusiastic to learn. Her love of her family could never be questioned, especially watching her follow David and Samantha around at recess always asking them for a hug and then a few years later, doing the same thing to Tyler. Seeing Kelli around school as she got older was always a positive interaction and a bright spot to my day!

Ronnie M.

Kelli was probably the most cheerful, happy, and pure human being I have ever met. During football cheer season, there was never a moment where she wasn’t smiling. Multiple times, she managed to truly make my day. Even though I hadn’t known her super well she really had made a massive impact in my life with the way she radiated her joy.

Vienna M.

My favorite thing about Kelli is her bubbly personality. You never saw her sad no matter what. She was always willing to volunteer no matter what. That is what I love about her and I will miss it very much.

Grace N.

Jesup Cheer covered our cars with SMACK cards!

The kindness and comfort of support that has been offered by many in the community, individuals, parents, schools and businesses has been inspiring. Kelli has brought so many together and will continue doing so for years to come.

Kelli gave joy to each and every person she interacted with. I cannot say how many days she would approach me with her arms wide open for a great "Kelli hug" and would have the most animated story to tell me. Her joy was contagious and she gave light to the mundane and busy day to day routine of life. She will forever bring a smile of joy to my heart.

Dawn K.

Hagarty Waychoff Grarup Funeral Home has offered the opportunity to view and save the video webcast for the funeral services that took place at Immaculate Conception Church on March 4.

Kelli was one of the two students who spoke to prospective families at our Kindergarten Parent Meeting last year. Her excitement for everything Bosco and above all our faith was simply contagious. She was a shining star, eager to share what she was so passionate about. This community has shown just how much she was loved—and the feeling was mutual. Kelli’s light will continue to burn bright and inspire us all.

Laura D.

Entering Bosco at the gym entrance you will find the locker of Kelli. The students have spent the last week decorating and capturing memories of their relationship and times they had with Kelli.