Obituary
Verdell “Butch” Edward Luedke
Verdell Edward “Butch” Luedke, born on April 21, 1944, in Bangor WI, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, in Onalaska. Butch was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of many with his kindness and generosity.
Butch married the love of his life, Kathleen, on February 3, 1979. Together, they had a son, Michael, and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Early in his life he had brief marriage to Carol (Buring) Graff and had a son, Wayne. He also had a marriage to Linda Nelson.
He dedicated many years of his life working at Heileman’s Brewery, where he formed lasting friendships. He also loved racing his VW’s and formed lasting friendships with the Sportscar Club. Butch eventually retired from the brewery, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and camaraderie. During his free time, he loved tinkering with his cars, especially his race cars, was a handyman who could fix just about anything, and had a constant hunger for learning.
Butch is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, his sons, Michael (Sarah) Luedke and Wayne (Karla) Luedke, his brother Don (Louise) Luedke, his grandchildren, Cashton and Carter Luedke, Tamii (Ron) Shufelt and Nikita (Stacie) Depue and his great-grandchildren, Mars and Cameron Shufelt and Felix Depue. He is further survived by brother-in-law Jerry (Kate) Killian, sister-in-law Karen (Lonnie) Larson, and sister-in-law Patti Killian (Scott), along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma M. (Geier) Luedke and Edwin A. Luedke; his brothers, James W. Luedke and Rex A. Luedke; and his sister, Betty Ambrose, and brothers-in-law, Tom Killian, Lyn Oldenburg, and Lenny Ambrose.
Butch’s warmth, humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love and dedication to his family will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.
The family would like to thank the Mayo System Hospice Team for their help and support during this difficult time. Your kindness, compassion and professionalism went above and beyond.
A celebration of Butch’s life will be held at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI 54650. Family and friends are welcome to honor his memory and share stories of the wonderful times they spent together on Wednesday, September 18, from Noon-2:00 pm.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
So sorry Kathy,I hope you have family and friends around you to help you get thru this trying time. I was reading some of the different comments people sent in and it sounds like he was a very nice heartfelt person. Prays can help you get thru this. I hope the memories will help you and give you comfort.
Your old best friend,
Gloria Sebon
Our sincere condolences to Kathy and family.
We will always cherish the years we had together.He was not only a loving brother to Don ,but his best friend and a great brother in law.
We enjoyed his stories about Lacrosse & especially the ones of his childhood.
He was kind considerate and had compassion for others always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. We will miss him dearly and he will be in our hearts forever. We were blessed to have had him in our lives.
So sorry to hear the news. Knowing it was coming doesn’t make it easier, I’m sure. Through high school and our careers at Heilemans I always new Butch to be a great guy. While we weren’t close through these retirement years, I always considered him a friend and enjoyed our occasional conversations. Again, my most sincere condolences.
Dave Kerska
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to you all.