Larry R. Ludtke

Larry R. Ludtke, age 83, of Reeseville, died peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Bellville Senior Living in Green Bay, WI.

The gathering will be at First United Church of Christ in Reeseville on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Carrie Schuett officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Oakridge Cemetery in East Troy, WI.

Larry Robert was born on December 5, 1942, in Burlington, WI, to Ellis and Mabel (Springer) Ludtke. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Wisconsin State University –Whitewater, where his talents and passion for teaching continued to grow.

On July 1, 1978, Larry was united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara Schmid, in Beaver Dam. Together they built a life filled with faith, music, and devotion to family and community.

Music was the heartbeat of Larry’s life. He shared that gift as band director at Lowell Reeseville High School before later teaching at Dodgeland Middle School.  Through patience, encouragement, and song, he inspired countless students until his retirement in 2000.

Larry’s love for music extended far beyond the classroom. His time as an organist started at First Congregational Church UCC in East Troy, WI and eventually transitioned into his time in Reeseville. For more than 42 years, the melodies of his organ filled First United Church of Christ in Reeseville, lifting hearts in worship and celebration. He also shared his talents for many years at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Whether teaching a child, directing a band, playing hymns from the organ bench, or providing music for weddings and funerals, Larry left a lasting harmony in the lives of all who knew him.

In addition to his love for music, Larry also enjoyed other hobbies, including cooking and photography.  He was the head chef for his family and shared his culinary skills preparing community spaghetti dinners, cooking meals during the Dodgeland 6^th grade camp trips, and teaching Dodgeland middle school students Chinese cooking skills during the Mini-Courses week.  He also had a passion for photography, capturing lasting memories at many local weddings and passing along his talents to his son Matt, who would go on to pursue a career in photography/videography.

Larry is survived by his children, Stephanie Ludtke of Grafton and Matt (Rebecca) Ludtke of DePere; grandchildren, Sam and Jonah Ludtke; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Linda Tauchen.

The family wishes to thank Brian and Vicki Miller and Bill and Darlene Goodhue for their everlasting friendship and extra care and help they provided Larry in the recent years.

In lieu of memorials for the family, they request you consider a memorial donation in Larry’s name to First United Church of Christ Reeseville.