May 5, 2025 – Oconomowoc, WI – Kurt Donald Luedke, 71, passed away after a courageous battle with dementia on April 25, 2025. Kurt was born in Sheboygan, WI, on November 2, 1953, to Donald and Jenny Luedke.
Kurt is survived by his loving wife Karen, with whom he shared nearly 45 wonderful years of marriage. He will be deeply missed by his children Kelly, Max (Lindsay), and Jenny (Ari) Officer; grandchildren Charlie, Landon, James, and Sophie. His sister Ann (Tom) Baiocchi and sister-in-law Rhonda Luedke. His siblings-in-law Richard (Gloria), Edward, Robert (Lynne), and Jeanne Brandt; Maureen (Bob) Rausch. Kurt is survived by other loving family members and countless friends.
Kurt is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mark, and siblings-in-law Margaret and James Cheaney.
Kurt spent his early school years in Middleton. His family moved to Brookfield, where he graduated high school from Brookfield Central. Kurt majored in philosophy and graduated from Brown University.
Karen and Kurt met as counselors at Camp Pow Wow, where Kurt spent seven summers working with Special Needs children. This experience influenced him to pursue a career in education, for which he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dedicating 33 years, Kurt found great joy in being a social studies teacher at Slinger High School and coaching the Academic Decathlon team.
He was honored with a State of Wisconsin Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship award. A fierce advocate for the environment, Kurt loved nature and activities outdoors, especially at the family cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
His many other passions included art, architecture, world music, travel, SCUBA diving, ancient coins, coffee, and craft beer. An inquisitive man who never stopped exploring, he did it all with his unique, charming wit.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kurt’s caregivers for their compassionate support and care during his final years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kurt’s name are welcome for the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association, The Nature Conservancy, and Doctors Without Borders.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). A visitation will take place from 1 p.m. -3 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m.
