Gene Raymond Ludtke

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. - Gene Raymond Ludtke, 80, of Eagle River, passed away on Thursday Aug. 24, 2017, at his home.

He was born on July 25, 1937, in Milwaukee, to Milo and Clara (Lutz) Ludtke. He married Joyce Hegemann on Sept. 26, 1959, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Waterford. Gene worked at American Motors in Kenosha for several years and then moved north to work at the White Pine Copper Mine in Michigan where he was injured and had to retire. He assisted his wife for several years managing Eagle River Properties. Gene enjoyed going to car shows, the casino and bingo.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven; granddaughter, Rylie Jo Ludtke; brother, Daniel; sister, Judy; and sisters-in-law, Judith Ludtke and Renee Radtke.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Scott of Arlington, Va., Stacy (Becky) of Ironwood, Mich., Shawn of Conover, Stan (Kayte) of Culpepper, Va., and Shane (Andrea) of Ironwood; daughter, Sara (Matt) Jacobson of Bessemer, Mich .; brothers, Robert, Thomas and Jon (Jean); sister, Dorothy (LeRoy) Bladow; 12 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. It will be a casual Celebration of Life.

Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River.

Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.