Theodore "Ted" J. Luedke

Theodore J Luedke March 25, 1941 - December 4, 2020 Theodore (Ted) Luedke passed away from Covid-19 on Friday December 4. Ted was born on March 25, 1941, to Herb and Sally Luedke in Sandwich, Illinois.The family moved back to Nebraska where they farmed near Uehling, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Hooper, NE. He graduated from Uehling High School in 1959. On May 20, 1962 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Donna Moore. Ted graduated from Wayne State Teacher’s College in 1963, and received his master’s degree from Colorado State University in 1970. Ted and Donna moved to Millard where Ted began his teaching career with the Millard Public Schools, teaching math for 31 years. He was once recognized as Educator of the Year. In summers off from school, Ted worked at several Omaha golf courses. After his retirement, Ted kept busy working with Manheim and Ziepke auto auctions. Ted was a faithful and active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Millard for 57 years. He served in many positions on the church council and committees. Ted enjoyed helping to coach his daughter’s many sports teams over the years. He was always the biggest fan at his grandchildren’s sports events. He was generous with his time and talents to everyone he knew, and he never said no to lending a hand to someone in need. Ted and Donna have enjoyed card and game clubs with their many friends. Ted’s adventures included summer fishing trips in Alaska and skydiving. He was a dedicated donor to the American Red Cross. Ted was always a farm boy at heart, and his lawn was his pride and joy! There was never a lawn he wouldn’t mow or a driveway he wouldn’t shovel. Ted worked hard every day of his life and never seemed to sit still. His work ethic, love, faith, integrity and humility were seen and experienced by all who knew and loved him. He wore his heart on his sleeve and loved his family and friends in the most excellent way. Ted is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Donna; his daughters Gayle Luedke (Connie Grauer) and Teresa Sandstead (Kevin Sandstead); his grandchildren Michael (Meg), Madeline and Madison Sandstead; his brother and best friend, Ron Luedke. Ted will be greatly missed by his many extended family members and friends. We would like to thank the exceptional nurses at Methodist hospital who wonderfully cared for Ted in his last days. Funeral services will be held at 10am Tuesday, December 8th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Millard. The service will be livestreamed on St. Paul’s website at splcomaha.org Click on the red bubble for “worship where you are” and proceed to “watch the live service here.” A recording of the service will also be available at BramanMortuary.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.