William “Bill” Luedtke, age 70, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Stoney River Assisted Living in Weston. He was born May 5, 1945 in Merrill to the late Delbert and Bernice (Mathies) Luedtke. In 1990 he married Florence Kellogg. She survives.
Bill attended and graduated from Merrill High School. He was a truck driver for Marth Shaving Co. for 25 years and a self-employed painter for 40 years. Bill had also worked at County Materials where he painted tractors and equipment. He enjoyed camping, fishing between here and Lake Erie, snowmobiling and hunting. Bill also enjoyed spending time in the woods making firewood and making maple syrup. He was a very opinionated, matter of fact person who was also very giving. Bill knew the importance of family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a snowmobile club, Cooper River Stump Jumpers in Merrill.
Survivors include his wife: Florence Luedtke, Merrill; son: Todd (girlfriend, Carla Corazalla) Luedtke, Merrill; two step-daughters: Annette Lee, Wausau , and Penny Bartram, Mondovi; two step-sons: Dan (Patti) Bartram, Schofield, and Dave Bartram, Wausau; two grandchildren: Codee Luedtke and Lucas Luedtke, Merrill; two step-grandchildren: Joshua Corazalla and Tyler Corazalla, both of Merrill; two sisters: Kathleen “Cookie” (Dennis) Schleter, and Suzie (Michael) Schanley; uncle: Eugene (Dorothy) Luedtke; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert & Bernice Luedtke.
Funeral services for Bill will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Merrill Memorial Park. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.