Willis H. Ludtke, Elkhorn, WI  (1926 - 2012)

August 10, 1926 - July 7, 2012
Willis H. Ludtke, 85, of Bowers Road, Elkhorn, died unexpectedly Saturday July 7, 2012, at his residence. Willis was born Aug. 10, 1926, in the Town of Sugar Creek. He was the son of the late Henry and Emma (Miller) Ludtke. He graduated from Elkhorn High School with the Class of 1944. On Sept. 8, 1951, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Share at St. Patrick’s Rectory in Elkhorn. Willis was a dairy farmer all of his life and he also drove school bus for over 18 years for the Elkhorn School district. Willis served as Justice of the Peace for the Town of LaFayette and was a member of the planning commission, He also was a charter member of the Elkhorn FFA Alumni.
Willis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia; three children: William (Ellen) Ludtke of Winter Park, FL, Jeannine (Russ) Saari of Elkhorn, and Larry (Juanita) Ludtke of Richland Center, WI; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Steve Palenshus; one sister, Fern Klink; and five brothers: Hugo, Herbert, Harold, Raymond and Lester.
Memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 12, 2012, from 4 until 7 p.m. at HAASE-LOCKWOOD & ASSOCIATES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, WI. Memorials may be made in Willis’s name to: American Diabetes Association, 2323 N. Mayfair Rd, #502, Wauwatosa, WI 53226. On-line guest registry www.haaselcokwoodfhs.com.