"Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. A wonderful man."
In loving memory of
Kenneth L. Luedtke
April 22, 1930 - December 21, 2014
MADISON-Dr. Kenneth L. Luedtke died peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2014 in Madison, WI at the age of 84. He fought a heroic fight against Parkinson's disease.
Kenneth is survived by his wife Darlene, his daughters Lynn Beyler and Attorney Sherilee Luedtke Olson, son-in-laws Dr. Michael Beyler and Douglas Olson, grandchildren, Dr. Steve & Jessie Beyler, Dr. Joseph & Jennifer Beyler, Hilary & Eryn Rossa, and his great-grandchildren, Ben & Cate Beyler, Jacob, Emma & Avrie Beyler, and his sister Phyllis Rice, of Rapid City, South Dakota. He is preceded in death by his father and mother Julius and Gertrude Luedtke & his brother Donald Luedtke of Wisner, Nebraska.
Kenneth was born on April 22, 1930 in Norfolk, NE to Julius and Gertrude Luedtke. After he graduated from high school he attended the University of Nebraska. He met Darlene when she was visiting relatives in Nebraska and followed her to Madison, WI where he worked until Darlene graduated from the University of Wisconsin. They married on August 13, 1950 in Norfolk, NE. Ken and Darlene moved to Indianapolis, IN where Darlene worked as an art teacher while Ken attended and graduated from Lincoln College of Chiropractic. During this time they welcomed their first daughter Lynn into the family. After graduation, Ken began his practice at 1914 Monroe Street in Madison. The couple was happy when their second daughter Sheri was born in 1957. Sometime later, Dr. Harvey Storm joined in practice with Dr. Luedtke. Dr. Luedtke was active in civic and political organizations, becoming the Chairman of the Republican Party in Dane County. Many characterized Dr. Luedtke as "one of the most energetic advocates for equality in health care, working with the state and Federal government to secure a patient's right to choose their health care. He was one of the most dedicated doctors of chiropractic the profession has ever known." Dr. Luedtke was elected President of the American Chiropractic Association, serving as the ACA president from 1987-89. He was president of the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association for two terms, and twice presented with the WCA's "Chiropractor of the Year" award.
Later Dr. Jeff Mackey joined Luedtke Storm Chiropractic Clinics, forming Luedtke Storm Mackey Chiropractic, which grew to become thirteen clinics in south central Wisconsin. After he retired from the practice of chiropractic, Dr. Luedtke directed the ACA's political action committee for many years, which has raised millions of dollars for lobbying efforts to promote patients' rights. The ACA-PAC was recognized in 1994 by the Washington Post and the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call as the fifth largest and most influential healthcare PAC in Washington, D.C.
His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember him as a dedicated, generous, man of faith who loved unconditionally. He was and continues to be an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Dr. Luedtke dedicated his life to the advancement of Chiropractic. He was extremely proud when his daughter Lynn's husband, Michael Beyler, and his grandsons, Steve and Joe Beyler became Doctors of Chiropractic. His daughter, Sherilee, graduated from law school and began her practice of law in Washington State in 1981. Dr. Luedtke and his wife Darlene enjoyed travelling around the world, visiting thirty-four countries, often traveling as an ambassador for Chiropractic. Dr. Luedtke was an avid angler, often traveling to Alaska to fish with his daughter, Sheri, her husband Doug and Ken's friend Don Gerhardt. The Luedtke family attended Mount Olive Lutheran Church and then he and Darlene became active, dedicated members of The Lutheran Church of the Living Christ.
Funeral services will be held at LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE LIVING CHRIST, 110 North Gammon Road, Madison, on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Daniel Kowert officiating. A visitation will be held at church on Sunday, from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dr. Luedtke's life with his family and friends. Those wishing to remember him are welcome to send flowers to the memorial service, give a gift to the Salvation Army, the American Chiropractic Association, or the Lutheran Church of the Living Christ. Condolences to Darlene Luedtke at 6175 Mineral Point Road, Madison WI 53705. The family thanks you for your love and prayers.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608)238-3434
Tributes
"Condolences and prayers for the family."
"Our sympathies to the entire Luedtke family. What a chiropractic legacy he leaves behind with Mike, Steve and Joe as doctors! And, Ken's huge contribution to advancing health care for the masses. He will be missed."
"Ken was always a pleasure to work with on health care issues while I served as a Wisconsin State Senator, and I appreciated his thoughtful leadership of the Dane County Republican Party and all his activism in politics. I'll never forget he once came to my office on a house call! He was truly a great individual who will be remembered by all who knew him. My deep sympathy to his family in your loss. "
"My sympathies for your loss and for the loss to the chiropractic profession. I never met a more focused and dedicated chiropractor in my life. He made a HUGE difference in my life many years ago when I helped him get political flyers door to door for our purpose. He knew what it took and he did whatever it took to make good things happen for us. He was a giant in chiropractic... an amazing man who put his body, mind, and money where his beliefs were. There was never a doubt about what he stood for. I admired and respected him."
"Ken was my first ACA "boss" in 1995 when I was appointed ACA-PAC Treasurer. Long after he retired from practice, he was still tirelessly working on behalf of the profession he so loved. A good and noble man who was one of the finest chiropractic warriors this profession has ever seen. "
"My sympathies to Darlene and the Luedtke family. Ken was a GIANT in the chiropractic profession for many years and he made a profound, positive difference in health care in the US and around the globe. Many in our profession were able to see further because we stood on his shoulders. He was a special man and will long be remembered with gratitude and love, Mike Flynn DC Houma, Louisiana"
"Lynn and family, May all the wonderful memories you have of your Dad and Grandpa stay with you forever. In friendship. Sally"
"Lynn,,,,I am sad to hear about your dad!!! Such a great MAN!!!! Thinking about you..... Marcy Morgenthaler -Merner"
"Ken you brought out the best in so many people. You will be missed by many."