Genn D. Luedke

Glenn Dayton Luedke, 82, of Bluffton peacefully entered eternal rest on November 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Above all else, Glenn will be remembered as a devoted, loving, and loyal husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”), son, brother, and friend. He possessed a deep faith as well as a great passion for agriculture, both traits dating back to his childhood and upbringing on his family farm in Northeastern Nebraska, and continuing throughout his lifetime, including a distinguished career in agricultural publishing.

Glenn was a member of the 1961 graduating class of Wisner High School in Wisner, Nebraska. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska before serving in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. While in the military, Glenn was stationed at the U.S. Army Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado, where in 1965 he began his business career as Territory Manager of the intermountain states for Northrup King & Co., later transferring to serve in a similar regional role based in Northern Virginia.

While living in Virginia, Glenn visited the home office of The Future Farmers of America (FFA) and learned of an open sales position with the organization’s flagship publication. He was hired and advanced quickly to Director of Advertising. His career choice was a natural one – Glenn was fond of introducing himself by sharing, “I’ve spent my life in agriculture,” and indeed he had. Glenn had been active in FFA while in high school and had served one year as State FFA Vice President. He earned the Honorary American Farmer Degree.

Glenn continued to advance in the agricultural publishing industry, earning numerous accolades along the way. In 1995, Glenn joined Farm Press and in 2009 was awarded with the first-ever CEO award by Penton Publishing. Throughout his distinguished career, Glenn realized the importance of partnering with others, both on an individual and organizational level. He became closely involved with the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, ultimately in the role of Government Liaison, and served on the board of directors of both the Foundation for Environmental Agricultural Education and Southern Crop Production Association.

Glenn’s earlier time in Colorado was most notable for meeting the love of his life, Judith Ann Little, with whom they would build a family and legacy of love and devotion in the decades to come. Married September 21, 1971, they recently celebrated their anniversary of 54 years. In that time, they traveled near and far, always enjoying wonderful meals and gathering ideas for Glenn’s gardening back home. Glenn was most proud of their family, who now cherish his memory and moments shared together: In addition to his devoted wife Judith, he is survived by daughter Jennifer (Peter) Lobred of Chesapeake, Virginia; son Jonathan (Jennifer) Luedke of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and grandsons Matthew, Nathan, and Tyler Lobred; and Austin and Riley Luedke. Additionally, he is survived by so many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends who carry on his memory in their hearts. He is predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Johanna (Hass) Luedke, and siblings Duane, Lorraine, Willis, Kenneth, and Helen.

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church on 351 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. A brief reception will accompany the service, followed by a burial with military honors at Beaufort National Cemetery on 1601 Boundary Street in Beaufort. Family and friends may call Tuesday, November 18 during visitation from 4-6 p.m. at Sauls Funeral Home on 90 Simmonsville Road in Bluffton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Glenn’s honor to the National FFA Foundation or the Port Royal Sound Foundation.