Martin Frederick Ludden

Martin Frederick Ludden (January 22, 1954 - June 07, 2025) of Vadnais Heights.

Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Phyllis, father-in-law, Arthur Siebenaler and brother-in-law Michael Smith. Survived by his wife of 41 years, Sheila (nee Siebenaler) Ludden; children Martin (Julia) Ludden, Cassie (FKA Trevor) Ludden (Sarah Singsank); grandchildren Martin and Sam; and sisters Barb (Jim Anderson), TeriJo (Dennis Headman), Mary Lee, Maura (Terry McEvoy), Pat (Neil Larson), Sarah (Ross Cameron), and Clare; mother-in-law Edna Siebenaler; sisters-in law Angela Smith, Colleen (Edward) Carducci, Jane (Alan) Gurevitz, and Lisa Siebenaler.

Marty was a force of nature not easily contained in a few paragraphs. If he was nearby, you knew it, and in most cases you were better for it. Always the tall guy in the room with the commanding voice and presence, an easy laugh, and a gift for engaging conversation. He was a self-directed, life-long learner, student of history and voracious reader who followed his natural curiosity wherever it led him.

After serving as a military policeman in the US Army for 2 years, he spent 29 years as a firefighter/paramedic for the St. Paul Fire Department, retiring as district chief. Martin loved his work and was proud that he held every tested position on the department. He touched countless people in St. Paul during some of their toughest times and remained deeply humble about his impact as a first responder and leader.

As a lifelong outdoorsman, he especially loved fishing and sharing his passion with friends and family. He donated his time and conversational gifts to the residents of local nursing homes and took them fishing. He quietly collected and donated winter coats for the homeless. Martin was always available to help anyone, whenever he saw their needs.

He leaves behind a large and loving family including dozens of nieces and nephews and cousins. Martin was fiercely loyal to the love of his life, Sheila, and they modeled a strong and loving partnership for their kids. Together, they enjoyed traveling, playing cards, gardening, and puttering around the house. Sometimes, Sheila let him win at Scrabble. We will carry on his legacy through bad jokes, good stories, big laughter, humble service, a love for the outdoors, and a joy in finding pleasure in simple things.

Funeral Service at 11 am on June 13, 2025 at Household of Faith, 1090 Chicago Avenue, St. Paul Park, MN with visitation on Thursday, June 12 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 Co Rd E East, White Bear Lake, MN and 1 hour prior to the Funeral Service.

Memorials preferred to Let's go Fishing, MAC-V, Dragon Divas, or charity of your choice.