Gregory W. Ludden

Dr. Gregory William Ludden, DDS, 69 of Onalaska, WI passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Tomah VA Medical Centers’ Journey Home Hospice Unit. He was born on February 21, 1949 in La Crosse, WI to Joseph E. and Lynette (Huff) Ludden. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph E. Ludden, maternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. W.L. Huff, paternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Ludden and his father & mother-in-law Dr. & Mrs. Edward Carlsson.

A long- time resident of La Crosse, WI and eventually Appleton, WI, he loved calling Wisconsin home! Go Badgers & Packers. He attended Blessed Sacrament elementary school and was a graduate of Aquinas High School, class of 1967. Greg, at the age of 14, achieved the Eagle Scout distinction, an achievement that he was very proud of. Greg was an avid golfer, playing his junior golf at the La Crosse Country Club, and his varsity golf for Aquinas High School. He loved every aspect of the game; even venturing to Ireland & Scotland to enjoy the links. Upon graduating from Aquinas High School, he attended the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree and pursuing his life long dream of becoming a dentist, he was accepted into the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry. He graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, December 11, 1973. In January of 1974 Greg proudly enlisted into the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, Doctor of Dental Surgery. He was stationed at the Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California. He was very proud to be a “Navy Man”, providing the highest level of care to the returning Viet Nam conflict Navy Seals. Following his service Greg returned to Wisconsin, where he practiced General Dentistry in Janesville, WI for approximately two years.

In 1977 he met the former Kathryn Carlsson, his wife of forty years. They were married in Madison, WI and eventually moved to Appleton, WI where they lived and raised their family for thirty- eight years. Greg began his General Dentistry practice in Appleton, WI where he was known as one of the areas premiere dentists. He worked very hard to build a successful, thriving practice, and all of his patients loved his sense of humor, wit, compassion and the excellent level of care that he provided. He retired in February of 2014 at the age of 65. While living in Appleton he was a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the Outagamie County Dental Society and the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Continuing his passion for golf, he joined Butte des Morts Golf – Country Club where he was a member for thirty-eight years. He treasured his time there, where he met many life-long friends.

For many years, Greg and his wife Kathy co-chaired the American Cancer Society’s Winter Gala – Appleton. He loved being a member of the Fox Cities YMCA where he swam daily and played racketball. His other interests included biking, running, fishing in Canada and music trivia! He was a “Name that Tune” marvel. Greg was a truly dynamic person. He loved his family, his friends, his patients and any dog that crossed his path.

In addition to his wife Kathryn of Onalaska, he is survived by his sons Dr. David Edward & Katherine Ludden of Onalaska and their children Jackson, Gabriel and Eli, Dr. Christopher William & Rena Ludden of Appleton, WI and Mr. Matthew Joseph & Holly Ludden of Madison, WI. He was incredibly proud of his ‘”3” sons and their families. Greg is further survived by his mother Lynette H. Ludden of Spring Hill, FL, siblings Julie Ludden Rice of Hernando Beach, FL, Catherine Ludden of Belleair, FL, Michael Ludden of Coppell, TX, Ellyn Ludden of Indianapolis, IN along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Greg will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the La Crosse Country Club, 300 Marcou Road, Onalaska, WI from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Greg’s honor may be made to the Tomah VA Medical Center - Journey Home Hospice Center, Dr. Jackie Yaeger, MD, The Home Visit Doctor, or the Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Following Greg’s passing his family and friends attended a military honor ceremony, Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Tomah VA Medical Center. A private internment will be held at the Oak Grove Garden Mausoleum in La Crosse, WI. The Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family.