Ludmilla "Luddy" Raschke

Raschke, Ludmilla "Luddy" (Nee Holicek) Age 83, Madison, WI, died on January 4, 2010 at Oakwood Village Nursing Home. Born April 21, 1926, in Dolna Suca, Czechoslavakia, Luddy immigrated to the United States when she was nine years old with her parents, John and Anna Holicek and her younger brothers, John and Anton "Tony". She graduated from Cudahy High School, Cudahy, WI, in 1944, and began work as a secretary at Ladish Co., where she met her husband Joseph R. Raschke. They married on April 23, 1949, living in Cudahy and South Milwaukee, WI, until they moved with their family to Rockford, IL, in 1966. In addition to raising five children, Luddy found the energy to work as a secretary at several Milwaukee and Rockford area businesses. She earned her Certified Professional Secretary certification while she was employed as a secretary at Rock Valley College Counselor's office in Rockford, where she worked for over 20 years until her retirement. During her life Luddy traveled frequently with her husband, family and friends to locations including Paris, Hawaii, Florida, Mexico, Canada, and throughout the United States on road trips and via houseboats. Additionally, she was able to take a few vacations back to her hometown, Dolna Suca, Slovakia, to reunite her family with their extended family in Europe. Luddy will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends. Her generous and thoughtful disposition befriended many people. She was a role model for all of her children instilling high values and work ethic in each of them. Survivors include daughter Susan A. (Gregory) Leenerman of Broomfield, CO, and three sons, Thomas J. (Kathleen) Raschke of Madison, WI, Jerome A. (Felicia) Raschke of Batavia, IL, and Joseph J. (Cathleen) Raschke of Oak Park, IL; six grandchildren including James, David, Emma, Kristen, Kevin and Nicholas; two brothers Anton (Gloria) Holicek of Sacramento, CA and William (Sue) Holicek of Houston, TX. Luddy was preceded in death by son James E. Raschke in 1970, husband Joseph in 1989, grandson Keith, and brother John. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 8, 2010, from 5:30 until 7:30 PM, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Randy J. Fronek officiating. Visitation at the church will be held from 9:30 until 10:15 AM. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Hope Adoption, 5850 Omaha Avenue North, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082. Condolences and memories can be shared at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com