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Ralph Ludeke

1891 - 1981

 

Ralph Ludeke, 90

Services were held Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Clear Lake Methodist Church for Ralph Ludeke, age 90, who died on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at a Mason City nursing home. Hogan-Bremer of Mason City was in charge of arrangements.

Services were conductor by Rev. Kampfe, Chaplain of Good Shepard Health Center and the Rev. Lyle Leider of Clear Lake. A prayer service was held on Friday evening at Hogan-Bremer in Mason City with Father McAndrews officiating.

Pallbearers were the six grandsons; Dan Collins, Lance Coulter; David, Dorrance, Morgan and Shwan Ludeke; Charles Jorgenson and Delbert Watson served as ushers. Interment and graveside serves were held in the Ell Township Cemetery of Klemme.

Ralph Clarence Ludeke was born June 6, 1891, to Herman F. Ludeke and Martha (Venekolt) Ludeke, on a farm west of Klemme. He was next youngest of 10 children, all of whom have preceded him in death. He attended the Klemme Schools, the Charles City Academy, and was graduated from Drake University in 1916.

 

On Feb. 28, 1917, he was united in marriage to Mina Hartzell in Britt, Iowa. The couple farmed at Klemme for many years where Ralph was well-known for his pure-bred hog business. Later they for a short time near Garner moving in 1943 south of Clear Lake where they farmed until their retirement.

Mr. Ludeke was active in the Methodist Church all his life and served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, on the church boards, sang in the choirs and was active on the Klemme School Board for many years.

In 1970, he suffered a severe stroke which left him partially paralyzed and confined to a nursing home for his remaining years. He passed away very suddenly on Sept. 23.

He is survived by his wife, Mina Ludeke, Shalom Towers, Mason City; one son, Stanley R. Ludeke; three daughters; Mrs. Daniel (June) Collins, Mrs. Jack (Doris) Dominic and Mrs. Eldon (Marilyn) Coulter; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 30 Sep 1981, page 16, column 1

 

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