OBITUARY FROM ELMWOOD FUNERAL HOME (ST. JOHN, IN) WEBSITE:
William C. Luedtke “Bill”, age 72, late of Dyer, Indiana, and formerly of Hobart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy woven with hard work and an abundance of love.
Born on May 25, 1954, Bill learned the value of family and hard labor early on, spending his youth roofing alongside his father, brothers, and other beloved family members. He went on to dedicate many years to the steel mill, where he eventually retired. Never one to sit still for long, he embarked on a second chapter, becoming affectionately known as the "bug man" during his time working for Monroe Pest Control.
To know Bill was to know what he loved. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, enjoyed trying his luck at the casino, and spent peaceful seasons fishing the lakes of Minnesota and enjoying weekend getaways at his parents' lake house in Michigan. He was also arguably the ultimate fan of The Beatles, proudly cultivating an impressive collection of memorabilia over his lifetime.
But above all his hobbies, two things defined his heart: his love for Jesus and his love for his family.
His love for Jesus was beautifully reflected in the "Jesus shrine" he built in his basement. Even during his own difficult journey through chemotherapy and radiation, his mission to share God's love never wavered. He brought jars filled with mini Jesus figurines to his treatment centers, passing them out to anyone in need of comfort, always eager to share his unwavering belief that "there is a better place."
His greatest joy was his family. He possessed a boundless love for them and treasured every single moment he could spend in their presence. He also fiercely loved the simple things in life, particularly having absolutely no plans other than hanging out with "The Garage Gang"—his tight-knit circle of close friends who shared countless laughs and good times together. Bill was a man of grit and humor, with a beautiful, generous soul. He spent his life making sure those around him were looked after, smiled often, and knew they were loved.
He is the beloved husband of Donna Luedtke (nee Halbe). Loving father of Billy Luedtke, the late Michael Luedtke, Robert Luedtke, Megan (Eric) Harshbarger, Meredith (Garrett) Dunn, and Mikey Luedtke, and step-father of Nancy (Derek) Findeisen, and John Findeisen. Cherished grandfather “Papa” of Robert, Jordan, Angel, Garrett, Gianna, Aria, Dawson, Emery, Logan, Case, and Eleanor. Adored great-grandfather of two. Dearest brother of the late David (Nancy) Luedtke, the late Paul (Holly) Luedtke, Sandy Brown, and Randy (Doreen) Luedtke. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Janet Luedtke.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Visitation Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 2:00 pm until time of service at 7:30 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services Friday, June 19, 2026 at 9:30 am at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. (1/2 block west of U.S. 41/Wicker Ave at 97th LN.) St. John. Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. For more information 219-365-3474
This information and the picture below were obtained from: https://elmwoodchapel.com/visit-info/obituary.php?id=6671. The picture above was obtained from the 1972 HHS Memories yearbook.
