Joyce A. (Hegemann) Ludtke

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. - Joyce A. (Hegemann) Ludtke passed away on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. She was 82. She was born May 19, 1940, in Milwaukee, to Elmer and Rose (Bralick) Hegemann.

She graduated from Waterford High School in 1958. She married her best friend and love of her life Gene Ludtke on Sept. 26, 1959. He proceeded her in death on Aug. 24, 2017.

Joyce had previously worked at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan, Gogebic Federal Credit Union in Bessemer, Michigan, and was manager of Eagle River Properties in Eagle River for many years.

She was a past officer of the VFW Auxiliary 3673 in Bessemer and the 15th District VFW Auxiliary, and was a life member. She was also a past officer for the Wisco-Mich Women's Bowling Association.

Joyce enjoyed bingo, going to the casino, and spending time with her family.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Sara Jo (Matt) Jacobson of Bessemer; sons, Scott of Arlington, Virginia, Stacy (Becky) of Ironwood, Stan of Bealeton, Virginia, and Shane (Andrea) of Ironwood; brothers, Paul (Mary) of Green Bay, Dennis (Janice) of Sparks, Nevada, and Thomas (Donna) of Pahrump, Nevada; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Lee) Bladow of Grafton; brothers-in-law, Tom of Alsip, Illinois, and Jon (Jean) of Waterford; 12 grandchildren; 5 five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Rose Hegemann; husband, Gene; sons, Steven and Shawn; granddaughter, Rylie Jo Ludtke; sister, Renee Radtke; brother, John Hegemann; sisters-in-law, Judith Ludtke and Judy Dzbinski; and brothers-in-law, Daniel and Robert Ludtke, and Kenneth Dzbinski.

At our mother's insistence/request, there will be no visitation or funeral. While we are dutiful children, she did not specify whether we could hold an abbreviated graveside service and celebration of life. In light of this, there will be an abbreviated graveside service for our mother on Saturday, Aug. 27, at noon at St. Peter's Cemetery in Eagle River, followed immediately with a celebration of life at 314 N. Second St. in Eagle River. During the graveside service, we will be including the burial of our father (Gene), brother (Shawn) and his daughter (Rylie Jo). We invite family and friends of Joyce, Gene, Shawn, and Rylie Jo to please join us.

God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be,

so, he put his arms around you and whispered, "come to me."

With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away.

Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.

Arrangements are by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home of Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.