FREDERICKSBURG — Roger Darrell Schmudlach, 90, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following a short illness, leaving behind a remarkable life marked by hard work, devotion to his three sons, community service and a love of golf that produced an extraordinary three holes-in-one.
Visitation was held Thursday, October 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg. A celebration of life was held Friday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg, with burial scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Roger was born March 7, 1936, to Henry and Henrietta (Immermann) Schmudlach. The middle of three sons, he grew up in a family where baseball was a shared passion among the brothers.
He began his education in a rural country school before attending Fredericksburg High School, graduating in 1953.
Roger spent much of his working life in agriculture, eventually establishing his own business, Schmudlach Feed Hauling. For 21 years, he built a reputation for reliability, determination and an old-fashioned willingness to do whatever the job required.
His work involved hauling both bulk and bagged livestock feed, including 50-pound bags that sometimes had to be unloaded by hand.
Roger’s dependable nature earned him the respect of those he worked alongside. Employees at local cooperatives frequently pitched in to help unload the heavy bags, a gesture reflecting the friendships and goodwill he developed through years of honest work.
But Roger’s life was never limited to work.
Golf was one of his great passions, and Plum Creek Golf Course became a second home of sorts. He served on the course’s board of directors for many years and developed a reputation as an especially skilled short-game player.
Over the course of his golfing years, Roger accomplished something most golfers only dream about: three holes-in-one.
His ability around the greens also made him a highly sought-after teammate in best-ball tournaments, where his dependable short game could make all the difference.
Roger was equally devoted to the Chicago Cubs, following the team faithfully through decades of frustration and occasional triumph. Few baseball moments meant more to him than the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series championship, which ended the franchise’s 108-year title drought.
His commitment to Fredericksburg extended well beyond the golf course and baseball conversations.
Roger volunteered with the Fredericksburg Fire Department for 22 years, giving his time to help protect his neighbors and community.
He was also active at Peace United Church of Christ, serving on the church council and taking on the responsibilities of treasurer.
Those commitments reflected a man who believed in doing his part, helping others and remaining involved in the community he called home.
Above all, Roger took tremendous pride in being a father.
He raised his three sons, Rick, Randy and Ron, through quiet leadership, humility and a strong work ethic. Rather than relying on grand gestures, he demonstrated his values through the way he lived, worked and treated others.
Those lessons became an important part of the legacy he passed along to his family.
Roger is survived by his sons, Rick Schmudlach and his wife, Donna; Randy Schmudlach and his wife, Sandy; and Ron Schmudlach and his wife, Deb.
He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Eric, Laura, Kelly, Adam, Amy and Emma; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Betty Schmudlach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Henrietta; his special friend, Irene Royek; and his brothers, Donald Schmudlach and his wife, Marion, and Jerry Schmudlach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Roger’s family to support Peace United Church of Christ, Plum Creek Golf Course and the Fredericksburg Fireman’s Association in his memory.
Family members and friends may share condolences, photographs and personal memories through the Roger Darrell Schmudlach remembrance at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home.
For the people of Fredericksburg, Roger leaves a legacy woven into the community itself — from 22 years answering calls with the fire department to decades of service at his church and countless rounds of golf at Plum Creek.
And for his family, the greatest memories will be of a father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose steady example showed that a meaningful life is built through hard work, loyalty, friendship and service to others.
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