Nicholas John Schaub

Nicholas John Schaub, 50, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away in his home unexpectedly on June 10, 2026, leaving behind his heartbroken family, friends, and music community who all loved him deeply.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4 - 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood, 520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404. A Celebration of Life (band tee’s encouraged) will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at North Point, 621 Center Point Road NE Suite B, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402. Light snacks and full bar will be available. The bar will be open to the public at 5 p.m. with previously scheduled live music on patio starting at 6 p.m. A Memorial Fund has been established and may be directed to the family to memorialize his life and love of music, especially as it pertains to children.

Nick was born on February 4, 1976, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in West Des Moines to John and Karen Schaub. A lifelong Iowan, he spent his early childhood alongside his older siblings Nate and Tisha in West Des Moines before moving with his family to Mount Pleasant in 1987 and later to Muscatine, where he graduated from Muscatine High School in 1994.

Nick carried a natural curiosity into everything he did. He was a self-taught bass guitarist – playing in his first band, Adroit, with his cherished friends. There, and in countless musical acts along the way, Nick spent many hours jamming with bandmates who became loyal lifelong friends. At the University of Iowa he found a music outlet, friendship, and had great seats cheering for Hawkeye “Ws” as a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band at Kinnick Stadium. No plume for him, Nick donned a beret playing sousaphone and earned the nickname “Norm” in the band. This would later be his ticket to playing electric bass in the pep band at Carver Hawkeye Arena - often spotted in post-game coverage on ESPN! He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in German. Pursuing his growing interest in radio frequency systems and operations, Nick worked with the student-run radio station KRUI, where he spent time on-air before moving into an operations role.That spark led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and later a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering through the Stevens Institute.

His career reflected the same inquisitive, creative spirit. In his work with various companies, most recently Collins Aerospace, Nick was known for his sharp-minded, thoughtful, and quiet determination as he tackled complex problems. At home, that analytical and technically gifted spirit showed up in many enhancements, including automating everyday operations long before home automation was standard. He hilariously programmed the home’s tree and mantel lights, gas fireplace, and music to the voice command “Siri, turn on sexy Christmastime” which made his daughters giggle every single time.

Music was woven through Nick’s life from the beginning. It was a place where his talent, passion, humor, and joy could be felt simultaneously. He shared that gift playing electric bass with many bands over the years including Adroit, Adrenaline, Satellite Dogs, Dr. Z’s Experiment, Bruce Kaiser Band, Corn Fed Bruiser and The OKs. He subbed in and relished the opportunity to don full 80’s hair band attire in Slap & Tickle. For many years he played upright bass and electric bass in the orchestra pit at Theatre Cedar Rapids, lending his expertise at his craft, joy for making music and heart to the local arts community.

Nick’s life was full of the things and people he loved. He had a gift for language, strengthened through a German language immersion program where he spent several weeks in Germany. Through this program at Muscatine High School, he met his first wife, Annie (Wiesner) Schaub with whom he shared a 24 year marriage and welcomed two precious daughters to his life. He grew to love animals, enjoyed bike rides, and took genuine pride in tending his yard and garden, finding peace in the care and patience they required. He became an impressively skilled DIYer through many projects alongside his beloved former father-in-law and mentor Tom Wiesner whose acceptance and love he cherished. He volunteered for the annual Xavier High School show choir fundraiser and embraced being a dance dad with pride.

More than anything, Nick loved his family. His daughters, Greta and Rory, were central to his heart, and he took immense pride in watching them grow into the beautiful young women they are today. He had a fascination with airplanes, a love he shared with his daughter, Greta, creating a sweet tradition of grabbing McDonald’s breakfast, parking near the Eastern Iowa Airport and watching planes land and take off together. Ironically, he also loved watching Air Disasters with his girls. This may be a contributor to his youngest daughter Rory’s lingering fear of flying (though she doesn’t regret the bonding time!).

During his last summer Nick met Stephanie. They fell immediately in love and married in October of 2025. They spent 11 brutally short months exploring music and food, loving passionately and planning for a future together. Nick wholeheartedly embraced her energetic and curious 6 year old son and regularly marveled at the depth of affection and love Bennett showed to him. They spent countless hours enjoying football—watching games, reading statistics, playing together, and planning their future YouTube channel, FootballBros. Nick adored the wrestle hugs Bennett gave him and jumped at every chance they got to prank Mama together or practice their fake farts. Nick’s were exceptional!

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his daughters, Greta and Rory (their mother, Annie Wiesner Schaub, and grandparents, Tom and Margaret Wiesner); and his soon-to-be-adopted son, Bennett. He is also survived by his father, John Schaub; his parents-in-law, Penni and Bob Teare; his siblings, Nate (Fumiko) Schaub and Tisha (Tim Mentzer) Junge; his "sibs-in-law," as he affectionately called them, Colin (Parisa) Teare, Mackenzie Teare (Derek Brimmer), and Tyler "Tito Tuxedo" Teare; his niece and nephew, Trey Junge and Syriana Schaub; and the needy felines he cuddled to sleep each night.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Karen Kay Schaub, and his grandparents, Lillian and Wilmer Kramer, Eleanor and Alvin Schaub.

Nick will be remembered for his musicianship, tender heart, quick witted humor and technical savvy. Above all else and no matter the toll on him, the quiet, meaningful ways he showed up for the people he loved was truly Nick’s greatest gift to the world. His absence will be felt immensely. His family and friends will hold dear the music, memories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.

To honor Nick’s life we ask you to love others! Deeply, vocally, unconditionally. And as he recently wrote “listen to music—all genres. Take away the deep and meaningful experiences from music of a wide variety." That was Nick: always curious, always exploring, always loving. ALWAYS