Clarence K Ludeke

Clarence K. Ludeke
Pecatonica, Illinois – Clarence K. Ludeke, age 99, died December 6, 2014 at Presence Cor Mariae Center in Rockford. He was born November 9, 1915 in Klemme, Iowa to Elmer and Roma (Kleeman) Ludeke. He graduated from Britt High School in 1933 and was an all-conference basketball player. He married Marie Harrington of Britt on July 2, 1953 and together they had five children. Clarence first worked as a carpenter and then as a bricklayer until retirement. He was a lifetime member of Brick Layer Local 6, retiring in 1982. He took pride in his craftsmanship and in the numerous schools, hospitals, churches and factories he worked on. He appreciated his Iowa roots-reminiscing of the times he saw legendary Nile Kinnick play for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and returning to Britt for their annual Hobo Days. Reading was one of his main interests along with woodworking. He made many toys for his grandchildren that his great-grandchildren continue to enjoy.
Survivors include his wife Marie, five children: Chuck (Jeanne) Ludeke, Roma (Ray) Kelley, Jeanne (Ed) Johns, Carol (Pat) Reilly and Reverend Bruce Ludeke. Grandchildren are Anna (David) Brown, Ross Ludeke, Maria (Esteban) Gast, Laura (Blake) Ruffner, Chris Kelley, Erin (Nick) Fjelland, Will and Anne Johns, and Meg, Kate and Sean Reilly. Great grandchildren include Robbie, Lydie and Eli. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lucille and Merle, and brother Lyle.
The family thanks the staff at Presence Cor Mariae Center and Dr. Jon Strutzenberg for their care of Clarence.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, Rockford with Reverend Bruce Ludeke as celebrant. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Presence Cor Mariae Center’s Chapel, 3330 Linden Road, Rockford, IL. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, 61103 - Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com