Carroll Robert Luedtke

Carroll Robert Luedtke, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, departed this world to enter his heavenly home on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on January 5, 1932, in South Milwaukee, WI, Carroll was the first son of Alvin William Luedtke and Romona Marie Luedtke (née Seifert). He was baptized into faith at Zion Ev Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee, a spiritual home that remained dear to him throughout his life.

Carroll spent his formative years in South Milwaukee, attending Zion Ev Lutheran School and completing his early education in 1946. He continued his education at South Milwaukee High School, where he graduated in the class of 1950, earning accolades as a letterman in golf and volleyball. His passion for learning and excellence led him to Marquette University, where he graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

In 1955, Carroll embarked on a distinguished career at Ladish Co (now ATI Inc) in Cudahy, WI. His journey from estimating to leading the product management team marked a vital contribution to the growth of their aerospace business. Carroll's dedication and expertise were invaluable, and in 1957, he was recognized as an essential worker, supporting the company's military mission following his draft into the US Army in 1956.

Fate guided Carroll to Lorraine Nirschl at the South Milwaukee Arcade bowling alley in 1956. The couple fell in love and were married on July 11, 1959, at Zion Ev Lutheran Church, beginning a partnership that grew stronger over the decades. Together, they raised four children—Keith (Janice) Luedtke, Robyn (Jeff) Kleiner, Cheryl (Jeff) Hench, and Jay (Donna) Luedtke—in a home filled with love, faith and adventure.

In 1972, Carroll and Lorraine bought their first motor home, igniting a lifelong passion for travel across the open roads of the USA. Their journeys were enriched by the presence of 12 grandchildren, including Andrew Pedersen, Jason (Mandi) Pedersen, Melyssa (Brandon) White, Sam Luedtke (Tam Flosse-Luedtke), Kinsey (Steve) Paddock, Teressa Luedtke (Jesse Carlin), Kasey Kleiner, Tyler (fiancé Anna Gamm) Luedtke, Emalia Luedtke, Nathaniel Luedtke, Romona Luedtke, and Eraina Luedtke. Their family continued to grow with nine great-grandchildren; Jayden Pedersen, Skyler Pedersen, Carter White, Ryker Pedersen, Myles Paddock, Kahele Luedtke, Violet White, Makenna Paddock and Nakili Luedtke. He was preceded in death by his only sibling and younger beloved brother Donald Luedtke, whom he shared a special bond with.

Carroll was an active member of the Whitnall Park Men’s Golf Club since 1956 and cherished the camaraderie and competition it offered. After retiring from Ladish Co in 1992, Carroll and Lorraine spent winters in TX, eventually making a winter home in Pueblo El Mirage, AZ, in 1995.

The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2009 and marked 66 years of marriage last July, milestones that testified to a lifetime of shared joy and enduring love.

Carroll's life was a tapestry of devotion to family, faith, and community. His kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service celebrating Carroll's life will be held at Zion Ev Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee on March 9 with a visitation from 9:30 to 11 AM with a funeral service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Zion Ev Lutheran Church, where Carroll's faith journey began.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.