Shanel Reneé Niedert-Schares, 41, of Waterloo, formerly of Dunkerton, died at home Wednesday, February 4, 2015, of cancer.

Shanel was born on June 3, 1973 in Frankfurt, Germany, daughter of Edward Louis and Patricia Ann (Love) Niedert.

She graduated from Waterloo West High School and later graduated valedictorian at College of Hair Design for massage therapy. She was proud of her accomplishment at school and loved being a massage therapist and her customers.

Shanel married Donovan James Danielson in 1992 and they later divorced. Shanel has been with partner Timothy Schares since 1994. She was a family person and loved her children unconditionally. She had an open house – for her children and for any child who she could help.

Shanel is survived by her spouse: Timothy Schares Sr.; five daughters: Shelby (Brandon) Danielson, Amelia Schares, Johnie Jo Schares, Angel Schares, April Schares; son Timothy Shares, Jr.; 2 grandchildren: Bradley and Bentley Holly; mother Patricia Stempien; step mother Patricia Niedert; mother in law Genevive Schares; six sisters: Sara (Trey) Cornwall, Jenny Bergeron, Crystal (David) Edwards, Vicky (Charles) Sero, Cheri (Jeff) Ott, Genny (Edward) Veterneck, three brothers: Edward (Leigh) Niedert II, Michael (July) Bergeron; brother in law Thomas Schares; and aunt Betty Oelman.

She was preceded in death by her father Edward Luis Niedert I, step father Walter Stempien; father in law Ronald John Schares Sr., grandparents Fred & Leona Niedert and Darrel and Eileen Love; uncles Lonnie Niedert and Ken Love; aunt Diane Niedert; and cousins Chris and Chad Niedert and Ryan Love.