Ellen Schmadeke
Ellen Marie Schmadeke, 91, of Solon, passed away at her home with her husband by her side Jan. 19, 2024 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, from 4:30-7 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City with a Rosary recited at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice.
Ellen Marie McDonald was born Feb. 21, 1932, the daughter of Patrick R. McDonald and Mathilda J. Mahoney. She attended school in Peosta, and graduated from the local high school in 1950.
She married Charles J. Schmadeke June 16, 1962, at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Waterloo. From this union, four children were born: Brian, Kara, Mary and Gina. Ellen spent the early years of her marriage raising her children, and after they were in school, she returned to teaching. She taught second grade at Mark Twain School in Iowa City for 23 years, retiring in 1994.
Ellen graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. She was also an avid student of Liturgical Music and Liturgical Music History including Gregorian chant. Ellen chose the music, led the singing, and played the pump organ at St. Mary’s Newport Church from the late 1970’s until the church closed in 1994.
She is survived by her husband Charles J. Schmadeke of Solon, three children Brian Schmadeke (Christine) of Waterloo, Kara Schmadeke (Jeff Booze) of Anamosa and Mary Paterson (Richard) of Iowa City; one sister Velma Usher; one brother Francis McDonald; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest child Gina, and 11 siblings.
Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.lensingfuneral.com.