Carla Kay Luedke

Carla Kay Luedke (nee Bratsch) passed away December 8, 2022, at the age of 80. She lived a full and fun life, grateful for God’s blessings and proud of her roots in Princeton. Carla was a treasured wife, loving mother, doting grandma, and faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Princeton, WI. The Lord blessed her with a quick wit, curious mind, keen memory, and warm heart. She enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends, regularly mailing hand-written cards, connecting by phone, or sending lengthy text messages.

Carla was born August 9, 1942, in Berlin, WI to Edna (nee Mathias) and Carleton Bratsch. She lived all but the last three months of her life in Princeton. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith (WELS). In 1960, she graduated from Princeton High School. On June 17, 1961, she was united in marriage to David Luedke at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Princeton. Together, they raised three daughters and a son and owned and operated Luedke’s House of Sewing (later known as Luedke Sew & Vac). For many years, Carla also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, having been employed at the Sunnyview Nursing Home, Berlin Hospital, and the Princeton Family Medical Clinic. She was part of the Princeton Women’s Club and was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving as a leader for the Lutheran Boy Pioneers and regularly participating in the Ladies Aid Society as well as other outreach activities.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, David Luedke; her four children, Lisa (Carl) Pulvermacher of Madison, WI, Sara Rentmeester of Charlotte, NC, Kevin (Erin) Luedke of Oshkosh, WI,  Jana (Tim) Heinrich of Madison; six grandchildren, Matthew (Laine) Pulvermacher of New Berlin, WI, Zachary Pulvermacher of Madison, Elizabeth Pulvermacher of Seattle, WA, Caitlin and Claire Heinrich of Madison, Ethan Luedke of Oshkosh; her brother-in-law, Duane (Nancy) Luedke of Fond du Lac, WI; four sisters-in-law, Donna (Jack) Yearwood of Fisk, WI, Carol Bayer of Green Lake, WI, Nancy (James) Henning, and Kathleen Luedke, both of Ripon, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and loyal friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carleton and Edna Bratsch; a twin sister, Mary; a half-brother, Mark; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond “Pete” and Mildred “Millie” Luedke; two brothers-in-law, Michael Luedke and Ronald Bayer.

A Funeral Service for Carla K. Luedke will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 226 S. Clinton St., in Princeton. Pastor John Stelter will officiate. Carla will be laid to rest following the service in the Memory Hill Cemetery in Princeton. A memorial has been established to Christ Alone Lutheran Academy, 227 Harvard St., Princeton, WI 54968, or to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Carla with her family.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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