Jill Schmadeke

Jill Renee Schmadeke was born on July 15, 1960 to Louis John and Carol Grace (Ernst) Schmadeke in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized shortly thereafter at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hanover Township, Charter Oak, Iowa. After attending Sunday school and confirmation, she was confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1974.

Jill attended Schleswig Community High School, graduating with the class of 1978. While in high school, she excelled in softball and basketball, where she earned recognition in the Boyer Valley Conference. Following high school, Jill went to work at Dubuque Packing Company in Denison working there until the closure in 1982. She enjoyed following baseball; in particular the Philadelphia Phillies. She also enjoyed NFL with her favorite team being the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jill sometimes lived a turbulent life. However, she always had friends, family and prayers to Jesus to help her. On January 2, 2026 she was diagnosed with cancer and entered hospice care where she faced death with faith and courage. Jill passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 with family by her side at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison.

Jill was preceded in death by her mother, Carol in 1964, her father, Louis in 2008, maternal grandparents, Ted and Hilda Ernst, paternal grandparents, Pat and Hattie Schmadeke, as well as her niece, Charity Biddle in 1971 and nephew, Nathan Schmadeke in 2009.

She is survived by siblings: Coleen Reich of Sioux City, Iowa; Harlan Schmadeke of Schleswig, Iowa; Keith (Marlys) Schmadeke of The Villages, Florida, Tim (Susi) Schmadeke of Hot Springs, South Dakota and half-brother, Tom Schmadeke (fiancée, Jessica) of Red Oak, Iowa; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Private family services will be held.