Ludtke, Earl L.

Earl L. Ludtke, of Neenah, age 74, will be spending Christmas in heaven with Jesus and his wife Carol. Earl passed away Thursday, December 16, 2010. He was born On May 23, 1936 in Waukesha County, son of the late Earl Frank and Edith (Littlejohn) Ludtke. Earl moved to Wautoma when he was 5 years old where he attended school and then went to work on the family farm. Earl married Karen Joy Vanderhei on July 16, 1955. After having seven children, they later divorced in 1976. On June 24, 1978, Earl then married Carol Mae Stuckart in Wautoma. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2008. Earl enjoyed toy collecting, race car driving, being in parades and he had a love of working with wood and metals. He was employed with James Burns & Sons Farms in Almond for many years, as well as working for numerous other farmers. Earl was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church of Neenah and a former member of Peace Lutheran Church in Wautoma. Survivors include children: Mike (Theresa), Bob (Jean), both of Plainfield, Randy of Waupaca, Lee (Linda), Sandra (John) Gipson, both of Wisconsin Rapids, David of Black River Falls, Linda Howard of Hancock, and Cindy Ludtke of Neenah; 32 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Elaine (Harold Sr.) Vanderhei, of Cambria; and he will be missed by Cookie. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Christine Mae Ludtke; and a sister, Evelynn Greves. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at Noon, at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, 1390 Breezewood Ln, Neenah, with Rev. Richard Frost officiating. Visitation was held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment was in Lakeside Cemetery in Waupaca.