WATERFORD, WI (Formerly of Racine) – Mr. Jack R. Luedtke, 78, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2012 at his residence after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Racine on November 30, 1933, the son of the late Richard and Dora (nee: Jacobsen) Luedtke.  He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1953.  Three years later Jack served our nation with the U.S. Army.   On June 27, 1959, he married the love of his life, Connie Mary Rohrbeck at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Racine.

Jack was a master cabinet maker.  He worked for Norden Woodwork for over 43 years.  Although much of his work is present throughout the area, he most enjoyed sharing his gift and craft with family and friends.  Jack was selfless and was always assisting others whenever he was able to lend a helping hand.

Jack enjoyed much of his free time in the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener.  He was also a man of faith.  He was a longtime member of Emmanuel Lutheran in Racine and a recent member of Norway Lutheran Church in Wind Lake.

In addition to his loving wife, Connie of Waterford, he is survived by his three daughters, Pam (Giles) Hargrove of Racine, Debbie (Tim) Doyle of Waterford, Cheri (Chad) Schweitzer of Fitchburg, WI; three grandchildren, Camden Hargrove, Tony Corroo, Tanner Doyle; three step-grandchildren, Mark , Nick and Stephanie Doyle; brother, Richard Luedtke of Racine; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Wanda Janson of Racine, Janet Graham of Madison, Dennis (Karla) Rohrbeck of Pardeeville, WI; as well as many dear nieces,  nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Carol Luedtke, Phyllis Peterson; son-in-law, Mike Corroo; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin and Edith Rohrbeck; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Luedtke, Tom Peterson and Lynn Janson.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday evening for a visitation from 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.  There will be a service celebrating Jack's life at Norway Lutheran Church (6321 Heg Park Rd. Wind Lake, WI) on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kristie Jaramillo officiating.  Military Honors will follow.  There will be a visitation in the church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.  A private interment will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Norway Lutheran Church, Hospice Alliance or the American Cancer Society.  Also, in honor of Jack, please share a random act of kindness toward someone.

The Luedtke family wishes to thank both Drs. Antony Reggeri and Michael Mullane and their staffs, as well as the staff at Hospice Alliance for the exceptional and loving care they provided Jack during his illness.  Your work is truly appreciated.