Clementine Irene Fick, better known as Irene, was born July 13, 1951, to Earnest and Hilda Dahlke on the family homestead known as Dahlke Hill. She passed peacefully on April 5th, 2025, at Jasmine Estates Memory Care in Edmond, OK after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Irene was the final child out of 9 children which meant she grew up being cared for by her older siblings and as a bonus got to be the fun aunt and caregiver to many nieces and nephews. In 1969, at the age of 17, she graduated as Valedictorian of Agra High School. Born into a farming family meant a strong work ethic was a normal expectation and right after graduation she began working at Southwestern Bell. During her time there, she worked in many of their locations throughout Oklahoma and was heavily involved for years in the Telephone Pioneers of America. She helped with fundraisers including multiple blood drives to help her communities. She made countless friends that she cherished through her work and volunteering. She finally settled into the Stillwater location and retired in 2000, after over 30 years of service.
Irene knew Larry Fick most of her life, but she would say that he finally won her over, and they were married June 12, 1970. Irene and Larry both enjoyed traveling and would hop into his 18-wheeler, motorcycle, or later, their little red BMW and travel across the United States. Their favorite places included the Smokey Mountains, Eureka Springs, and the Talimena Drive. They enjoyed it most when traveling with friends or to see friends.
Irene loved painting and firing ceramics. She would make many beautiful pieces for every holiday, and also just for fun. Her pieces are still enjoyed by family and friends to this day. She had a tradition of making various candies each Christmas season, her most famous being cinnamon candy. Later in life, that shifted into cinnamon bundt cakes that she would make for Larry’s coworkers or take to church functions. It’s funny to think that the things that brought her joy were both fiery and yet sweet, much like her personality. Anyone that knew her, knew she was a quick-witted woman who loved to laugh and make others laugh as well.
Irene’s daughters, Laresa and Kali, were her pride and joy, however she would tell you that being a Nana took top prize. She loved Madison, Carson, Atticus, and Amelia with a love that surpassed all others. She and Larry’s social calendar revolved around supporting their grandkids and they purchased and adorned many differing sports regalia throughout the years.
She is survived by her two daughters, Laresa Boyle (Allen) of Cushing, and Kali Dunlap (Jared) of Stillwater; three sisters, Darlene Gaither of Stillwater, Kay Gray of Oklahoma City, and Nelda Smith of Ardmore; grandchildren Madison Ruh (Keenan) of Oklahoma City, Atticus and Amelia Dunlap of Stillwater. She was welcomed into heaven by her husband of over 53 years Larry Fick; her parents; her sister Mildred; four brothers, Marland, Emil, Ernest Jr. (Sonny), and Donald Dahlke; and grandson Carson Boyle.
The family would like to thank Brookdale Assisted Living in Stillwater, OK and their staff for helping them throughout their journey after Larry’s passing with caring for Irene; the staff at Jasmine Estates Memory Care in Edmond, OK for their loving and caring touch as well as providing a safe and wonderful space for the last 6 months of Irene’s life; and finally Legacy Family Hospice for helping Irene in the last few months be as comfortable and peaceful as she possibly could before passing. We are eternally grateful for each and every one of you.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to the Carson Boyle Memorial Fund.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am, Friday, April 11, 2025, in the chapel of Matherly-Davis Funeral Home.
Services are under the direction of Matherly-Davis Funeral Home. You may share your condolences with the Fick family at www. matherlydavisfuneralhome.com.
