Irene Marie Royek Passes Away at 94, Leaving Lasting Legacy
URGENT UPDATE: Irene Marie Royek, a beloved nurse and community member, passed away peacefully at the Tripoli Nursing and Rehab Center on November 16, 2025, at the age of 94. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to caring for others and contributing to her local community.
Born in Iowa City, Iowa, to Catherine and Joseph Royek, Irene spent her formative years on a family farm before relocating to Orchard in 1948. By 1955, her family had moved to Charles City, where she graduated from Catholic school in 1958. After earning her LPN from Mercy School of Nursing in 1959, she went on to complete her Associate Degree in Nursing from NIACC.
Throughout her esteemed career, Irene dedicated 38 years to the Floyd County Memorial Hospital, primarily in the ICU and ACU departments. Her passion for nursing did not end with her retirement in 2006; she continued to work part-time until 2012, showcasing her unwavering commitment to patient care.
In the early 1980s, Irene met her soulmate, Roger Schmudlach. Together, they cultivated a life filled with love and shared interests in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Irene was known for her green thumb, enjoying gardening and participating actively in the local Garden Club. She also loved golfing, reading, and traveling, and was admired for her dry wit and her motto: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Irene is survived by Roger and several family members, including her sisters Sue Jurrens, Jeanne Riggan, Cathy Royek, and Connie Royek, as well as a brother-in-law and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her cherished dog, Angel.
In accordance with Irene’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, the family encourages donations in her memory to a charity of your choice, honoring her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fullerton–Hage Funeral Home, located at 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, Iowa, 50616. For more information, contact them at (641) 228-4211. Online condolences can be left at www.fullertonfh.com.
Irene Marie Royek’s legacy of compassion and service will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those she touched.
