Norman Luedke

Norman Richard Luedke was born the sixth of ten children of Charles and Estella Luedke, on June 19, 1927 on a farm near Amoret, Missouri. He departed this life October 23, 2016, at the age of 89. He graduated from Colony High School, where he was a freshman starter for his high school basketball team. He was offered a full ride scholarship to play basketball at Kansas University. He turned it down because they could not guarantee him a job after he graduated college. His Uncle, Wesley Niswonger, had asked him to come to northwest Kansas to haul hay, grain, and building materials. On September 7, 1948, Norman and Bonna Lea Fivecoat were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Iola, KS and they moved to Atwood in the Fall of 1948. After a few years of working for Niswonger Hay & Grain, he went to work for his brother-in-law, Jack Finley, doing construction work. In December 1968, Norman and Bonna Lea started their own construction business, Luedke Construction. Through this business they enjoyed meeting many people in the community. Norman built 38 houses in Atwood and did countless remodels. All of their sons, and their son-in-law did construction and Bonna Lea and their daughter did bookkeeping for the family business throughout the years. After he retired in 2008, Norman enjoyed visiting his son’s job sites, within driving distance, and checking in on the progress. His hobby was carpentry, he not only did carpentry for a living, but he truly enjoyed it. He also was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He often stated; “I’ve had a wonderful life.” He was known for his work ethic which he passed down to future generations and for being a great role model.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife; siblings, Robert, Kenneth, Clara, Wayne, Keith, Leslie and Morris and a great grandson Bear Luedke.

Those remaining to celebrate his life are their five children, Dennis Luedke and wife Bernadette, Atwood, Dale Luedke, Dodge City (Joann Luedke, Lenexa), James Luedke, Atwood, Lisa Adams and husband, James (Jim) Adams, Lakin and Brian Luedke and wife Judy, Colby; his sister, Doris (Luedke) Finley; his brother, Stanley Luedke; sisters-in-law, Delores Luedke, Allene Luedke, Twila Luedke, sister-in-law Claudette (Fivecoat) Anderson and husband, Gene Anderson; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 4-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church or Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For online condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.