Michael "Mike" Ludtke

Michael L. Ludtke age 67, of Plainfield passed away peacefully on Thursday September 1, 2022, with his family by his side. He was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on September 4, 1954, to the late Earl and Karen (Vanderhei) Ludtke.

Michael joined the US Navy in March 1976. Where he served aboard a newly commissioned

Naval Destroyer the USS Peterson DD969. Michael always wanted to sail the seas. After approximately 6 months he was asked to leave the ship for his own safety. At six foot 9 inches tall he earned the name Stretch. He finished his four year active hitch as an SK3 Storekeeper in Williamsburg VA where he received a Honorable discharge.

Big Mike will be greatly missed by his wife Tresa (Phillips) Ludtke, his children Michael (Rachel) Cayce, Karla Ludtke (Troy Wilson), and Corey Ludtke. His grandchildren Brianna, Hunter, Emma, Adelyn, Shelby, Serenity and “adopted” special children Logan and Conner Kramer, Greyson Ehrfurth, and Brantley Adams. Michael will also be missed by the community of Plainfield, his home town. He took great pride in cleaning up the village, visiting with friends, neighbors and reconnecting with classmates where Michael was unable to attend his fifty year class reunion.

Michael is further survived by his brother Robert (Jean) Ludtke of Plainfield, Sandy Gipson and special friend Mike of Wisconsin Rapids, Linda (Ed) Howard of New London, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brothers Lee Ludtke, Randy Ludtke, David Ludtke, stepmom Carol Ludtke, and brother-in-law John Gipson.

A celebration of life in his honor will be held at the Veteran’s Park in Plainfield, WI on October 8th luncheon to start at 12pm and special Military Honors at 3pm. Michael will be laid to rest on a later date. 

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