Joel F. Luedtke, 75, of Lomira, passed away peacefully in his sleep while in hospice care at Hope Health and Rehabilitation the morning of Sunday, August 28, 2016.
Joel was born on December 4, 1940, at the family farm in Lomira, the son of the late Harvey and Dorothea (Nebel) Luedtke. He was the youngest of seven children. On July 13, 1963, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Garriety at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lomira.
Joel grew up in Lomira with his six siblings. His farming career began early in his life when his father established a milk route delivering bottled milk to the residents of Lomira, helping on the family farm, eventually purchasing and operating it with his family. Today, the farm still operates as a cash crop business and Oak Springs subdivision development.
After graduation from Lomira High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 13, 1958 and proudly served in the 10th Engineer Battalion in Germany and at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was honorably discharged on February 6, 1962, receiving the Good Conduct Medal.
Joel was a member of the Methodist Church, then converted to become a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lomira. He was an avid bowler and golfer, enjoyed playing cards and the lottery with a competitive spirit. Joel enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. He cherished going to his house on Little Green Lake, spending time with family, boating, fishing and having a campfire.
Those Joel leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Kathy; four children, Joelene (Tony) Batzler of Campbellsport, Brad (Sarah) Luedtke, Nick (Tracy) Luedtke, and Luke Luedtke all of Lomira; 13 grandchildren, Miranda Kenowski, Melanie (Jeremy) Wagner, Jill Batzler, Jared Batzler, Alyssa, Abigail, Aaron and Alex Luedtke, Lauren, Logan and Jack Luedtke, Talan and Brody Luedtke; two great-grandchildren, Damien and Danton Kenowski; two sisters, Donna (Ron) Sterr and Denese (Casey) Byington both of Tomahawk; three sisters-in-law, Janet Falk of Lomira, Maebelle Luedtke of Lomira, and Karen VanderVelde of Colorado; a brother-in-law, Edward (Liz) Garriety of Lomira; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by two sisters, Diane Luedtke and Darlene (Walter) Gampka; two brothers, Randy and Leon Luedtke; his parents-in-law, Edgar and Mary Garriety and a brother-in-law, Richard Falk.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Joel will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lomira with Father Mark Jones officiating.
Joel’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Agnesian Hospice and Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion.