Cathy Rae Poots

Cathy Rae Poots, 72, of Waterloo, died Saturday, June 21, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

She was born June 5, 1953, in Waterloo, the daughter of John and Thelma (Foutch) Schiel. She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1971.

Cathy married John E. Poots on October 6, 1973, at Falls Avenue Wesleyan Methodist Church in Waterloo.

She was a cook for Waterloo Community Schools at Irving Elementary for many years. She was a member of Cedar Valley Church for over 50 years.

Cathy helped John with his mail route for many years. She also worked at Image Point for several years, and she worked and volunteered at the church and church daycare.

She was passionate about her faith and helping others. She found joy in watching her grandchildren and volunteering at the church. When she wasn’t watching her grandchildren or spending time with family, she was gardening. Cathy enjoyed cultivating her flower gardens and basking in their beauty.

Cathy is survived by her husband, John Poots of Waterloo; three sons, Tim (Kassidi) Poots of Cedar Falls, Gregg (Lisa) Poots of Las Vegas, NV, and Fred (Deborah) Poots of Indianola; a daughter, Angela (Michael) Whitaker of Elk Run Heights; 16 grandchildren, Zacc (Alicia), Tysson, Chelsi, Sydni (Andrew), Lindsay (Joe), Cole, Cade, Brendan, Maverick, Carver, McCoy, Hannah, Michael, Mecorah, Maezlei, and Merrick; 12 great-grandchildren, Kallen, Kynlie, Kasson, Myree, Jordee, Zuri, Navi, Nelli, Ethan, Garrett, Rihanna, and Marcus Jr.; a sister, Susan (Jim) Jacoby of Waterloo; and two brothers, John Schiel of Waterloo, and William Schiel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Mike Schiel.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Cedar Valley Church, with burial in Orange Township Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.