James Luedke

James Lawrence Luedke was born the third of five children of Norman and Bonna Lea Luedke, on July 13, 1954, in Atwood, Kansas. He departed this life November 2, 2022, at the age of 68.

James worked closely with his dad, Norman, in the family business, Luedke Construction. He is the only son that started working for the business from the time his dad started the business in 1968 until his father retired in 2008. James then went to work for Finley Ready-Mix until he retired in 2017. He had a great work ethic, always working hard and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed working with wood, making heavy duty storage boxes to store tools, etc. and making blocks of wood that looked like haybales for kids. He graduated from Atwood High School. He was a member of Atwood United Methodist Church. He loved following family sporting events, especially wrestling. He had a hearty laugh which will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was known for saying “Family and friends are everything”.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Norman and Bonna Lea, and a great nephew, Bear Luedke. Those remaining to celebrate his life are brothers, Dennis (Bernadette), and Dale, of Atwood, KS and Brian (Judy) of Colby, KS; sister Lisa (Jim) Adams of Lakin, KS; Aunt Claudette and Uncle Gene Anderson, Colony, KS; Aunt Doris (Luedke) Finley, of Atwood, KS; Aunt Delores Luedke, of Atwood, KS, Aunt Phyllis Luedke, Colony, KS; and nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be at 9:30 AM on Monday, November 7, 2022, with the memorial service following at 10:30 AM at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, with interment at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial funds have been established in his name to Atwood United Methodist Church and Atwood Kids Wrestling Club and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com