Robert J. Luedke

Robert Justin Luedke, age 91, of Colony, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at the Allen County Hospital of a sudden illness. He was born in Scott City, Kansas, on May 28, 1917, the son of Charles and Estella (Niswonger) Luedke. Robert lived in Scott City until his family moved to Amsterdam, Missouri while he was in grade school. He graduated from Amsterdam high school in 1937. On September 12, 1942, he and Ruth E. Finley eloped and married in Pittsburg, Kansas. This union was blessed with five children. They lived in Colony and Atwood, but finally settled in Colony, Kansas in the late 1950's. Robert joined the Army Air Corps and served his country during WWII from 1942-1945, as a flight instructor in Waco, Texas. Robert was a multitalented man and was able to do many things for his family and neighbors. His many occupations included trucking, shearing sheep, carpentry, lawn service, and for retirement he delivered the K.C. Star for 30 years. He was a member of the Colony Christian Church and served as a deacon for many years. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; Charles and Estella Luedke; his son Gary Luedke; grandson Brian; granddaughter Michelle; sister Clara; and brother Leslie. He leaves behind Ruth Luedke, his wife of 66 years; his sons, Ron Luedke and wife Pat; Jerry Luedke and wife Susan; Glen Luedke and wife Sheila; his daughter Joyce Collins and husband Terry; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; his sister Doris Finley and husband Jack; six brothers, Kenneth Luedke; Keith Luedke and wife Delores; Wayne Luedke and wife Twila; Norman Luedke and wife Bonnalea; Morris Luedke and wife Allene; Stanley Luedke; and many nieces and nephews. Robert lived a long and productive life, working hard to provide for his family. He will be missed, but now we are rejoicing that he has gone to live with Jesus. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Colony, Kansas. Interment will follow in the Colony Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colony Christian Church. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com .