Benjamin L. Luedeke age 74 of Mendon, formerly of New Bremen and Ft. Loramie, died at his residence on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:10 A.M.

He was born on February 14, 1942 in Ft. Loramie, the son of the late Raymond W. and Dorothy M. (Bouknecht) Luedeke. On January 17, 1965 he married Gundi Dinges, and she died on August 23, 2006. On June 28, 2008 he then married Laurel (Green) Higley, and she survives in Mendon.

Also surviving are his children Christi (Luke) Yahl, Leslie (Kevin) Koesters, Dorothy Daniel, Sean (Tonya) Luedeke all of St. Marys, and Herbert Luedeke of Botkins, step-children Sandy (Randy) Dunson, Phillip Walker, Amy (Ryan) Blackburn, David (Michelle) Walker, Johnny (Jessica) Walker, all of Findlay, Ohio, Georgy (Eric) Small of Cuba, MO, Nathan (Sara) Walker of Carey, OH, Jimmy Walker of Temple, TX, Fifteen Grandchildren, Twenty-Six Step-Grandchildren, Thirteen Great-Grandchildren, a number of Step-Great-Grandchildren, and a sister Betty Belton of Celina.

Along with his parents, Benjamin was preceded in death by a daughter Betty Luedeke, grandsons Jacob Slife and Domonic Luedeke, a sister Virgene Mohrman, and a brother Cliff Luedeke.

Benjamin was a 1960 graduate of New Bremen High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force, the Army National Guard, and the Air Force Reserves. He was a member of the Chained Eagles of Ohio. He was retired and had formerly worked at Wayne Trail Technologies of Ft. Loramie.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen with Pastor Mark Foor officiating. Inurnment will occur in the German Protestant Cemetery at a later date.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 2:00 until 6:00 P.M., and one hour prior to the services on Monday.

Contributions in memory of Benjamin may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675.

Condolences to the Luedeke family may be left online at gilberghartwigfh.com.