Robert Wayne Luedtke

Robert Wayne Luedtke, 83, of La Crosse, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2014 in his home. He was born on January 25, 1931 in La Crosse, WI to Frederick and Jenny (Olson) Luedtke. Bob was strong in his faith and was baptized, confirmed and married in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. His love of children brought Bob and DonaLee to be very active with the youth of St. Paul’s, rummage sales and fund raisers. In addition they were involved with Sugar Creek Bible Camp. They planted evergreen trees outside of St. Paul’s in honor of their grandchildren. He graduated from Central High School in La Crosse as a record breaking track star. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served 7 years of which 1 ½ were active duty. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force he began his employment of 41 years with Northern States Power Company in La Crosse. He retired from this family of friends in 1995. Bob was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan with notebooks of each games scores. He also had his “Packer Room” that had every shape and form of Packer memorabilia. Bob most of all loved life and enjoyed each and every day. He was so full of love, laughter and joking around as anyone that knew him would know. Bob never had a bad word, never complained. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May He Rest In Peace.
Bob is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 38 years, DonaLee. He cherished his 8 children, Deborah (Charles) Smutny, Patricia Valentine, Robert Luedtke, Marlys Studer, Brian (Jane) Studer, Lurene (Gary) Kotek, Elaine (Bruce) Viergutz and David (Theresa) Luedtke, 22 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren, one additional grand baby due in July 2015, 2 great great-grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and friends. He was so proud of his family each and every day. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter Diana Luedtke, who was Deborah’s twin.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 420 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Pastor Tom Meyer will officiate. Military honors will follow at the church. Burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. The Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family.