Ida M. Schindler was born Ida Novotny on July 21, 1942, in Valparaiso, Nebraska, and died at home in Salt Lake City, Utah on the morning of April 1, 2025, at the age of 82. She was the widow of Virgil John "Huck" Schindler and is survived by her brother, Steven Ross Novotny of Valparaiso; her daughter, Sheryl Rae Schindler; son-in-law, Peter Dell Ashcroft, and her beloved grand dog and constant companion, Ollie of Salt Lake City.

Ida was the only daughter of Adolph and Luese (Edie) Novotny, and sister to seven brothers. Six preceded her in death, Howard Adolph Novotny, Robert Ardean Novotny, Donald LeRoy Novotny, Floyd Glenn Novotny, Kenneth Lee Novotny, and James Keith Novotny.

She was proud of her Czech heritage, often baking kolaches and dancing polkas with friends. In between polka dances, she assembled a large collection of angels, a lifelong hobby. After her health limited her travel, she continued to listen religiously to broadcasts of the All Star Polka Show on Sunday mornings. The Solo Polka was one of her favorites.

Ida had numerous professions in her life. She cooked and baked at Scott's Pancake Shoppe in addition to many other restaurants and institutions. She was a custodian and a homemaker, but Ida was most proud of being a caregiver to disabled adults at Nebraska's Region 5 Behavioral Health Program in Wahoo. She loved to bake cookies and desserts to share with friends and neighbors. (Banana cream pie was her specialty).

Other than a few years in Texas and Utah, Ida lived her entire life in Valparaiso. She graduated from Valparaiso High School and was a strong supporter of the Valparaiso Church of Christ.

Ida will be buried in the Valparaiso Cemetery beside her late husband. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.