Charles John Schmadeke

Charles John Schmadeke

Iowa City

Charles John Schmadeke died peacefully at home on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Friday, July 11, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church in Solon. Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 4 PM to 6 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City, where the Rosary will be recited at 3:30 PM. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice.

Charles was born October 26, 1940, the son of Lavern C. Schmadeke and Frances M. Durnan. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Waterloo, Iowa, in 1958 and the University of Iowa College of Engineering.

On June 16, 1962, Charles Schmadeke and Ellen McDonald were married at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Waterloo. From this union, four children were born: Brian (Christine Neuman), Kara (Jeff Booze), Mary (George Paterson), and Gina (Matt Koski), followed by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Charles spent 37 years of his professional career with the City of Iowa City Public Works Department, serving his last 22 years as Public Works Director. During his tenure as Public Works Director, the City of Iowa City built a new wastewater treatment plant on the south edge of Iowa City and a new potable water treatment plant on the north edge of Iowa City, near the Iowa River. Many paved roads, sewers, and water mains were also constructed during his years as Director. Charles retired from the City of Iowa City in 2003.

Charles is survived by one brother, Edward (Carol Schmitt), one sister-in-law, Rita (Bronsima) Schmadeke, and one brother-in-law, Francis McDonald. He was preceded in death by his wife Ellen, his parents, his youngest daughter Gina, and his brother Joseph.

Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com.