May 3, 1940 – November 16, 2025
Irene Marie Royek passed away peacefully at the Tripoli Nursing and Rehab Center on November 16, 2025.
Irene Marie Royek was born in Iowa City, Iowa, to Catherine (Steffen) and Joseph Royek. She spent her early years on the family farm until 1948, when they moved to Orchard, and later to Charles City in 1955 where she graduated from Catholic school in 1958. Irene earned her LPN from Mercy School of Nursing in 1959 and later completed her Associate Degree in Nursing from NIACC.
Throughout her career, Irene worked at hospitals in Iowa and Minnesota, eventually settling at Floyd County Memorial Hospital, where she spent 38 years in ICU and ACU. After retiring in 2006, she kept busy working part-time until 2012.
In the early 1980s, Irene met her soulmate, Roger Schmudlach. They built a life together in Fredericksburg, Iowa, where Irene enjoyed gardening, golfing, reading, traveling, and helping with the local Garden Club. She was known for her love of order, her dry wit, and her motto: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
She is survived by Roger and family; her sisters Sue Jurrens, Jeanne Riggan, Cathy Royek, and Connie Royek; brother-in-law and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved dog, Angel.
Per her wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are with Fullerton–Hage Funeral Home, (641) 228 – 4211, 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, IA, 50616.
fullertonfh.com