Ronald K Ludeke

A Funeral Service for Ronald Ludeke will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Oxford, Nebraska, with Pastor Brian Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at the Oxford Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Oxford American Legion Post #219, in conjunction with the United States Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.
Ronald Kent Ludeke, 86 years of age, of Oxford, died on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Holdrege Memorial Homes. Ron was born on August 8, 1938, at the family home in Harlan County, Nebraska, near Mascot, Nebraska, the third of ten children born to Otto Fritz John and Georgia Mae (Eman) Ludeke. He received his primary education from Mascot Public Schools and then attended his senior year and graduated from Oxford High School, with the class of 1956.
Ron enlisted into the United States Army on October 24, 1961, and served at Fort Bliss, Texas. He often reminisced about his time in the service. On October 23, 1963, Ron was honorably discharged.
In 1964, Ron was united in marriage to Roberta L. "Bobbie" Nantkes. The couple made their home in Oxford, and were blessed with three children: Pat, Brad, and Laura. Ron worked at the Village of Oxford and later earned the title of Superintendent of Utilities, retiring after 40 plus years. The couple would later divorce.
On August 19, 1989, Ron was united in marriage to Sharon Lee (Hornaday) Dietz in Oxford. Together the couple enjoyed going for evening drives to watch the eagles by the river, golfing, and sitting on the patio enjoying a refreshment.
Ron enjoyed attending and cheering on Husker Football, traveling, hunting, spending many afternoons golfing at the Cardinal County Club with the "1-o'clockers", dancing, and especially spending time with family. His grandchildren and his "neighbor grand-kids", were the apple of his eye! He was an avid trapshooter and helped coach Junior Shooters. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford, the Nebraska Electrical Board, and the MEANS Committee. Ron was also a member of the Oxford Jaycee's, the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, and the Oxford American Legion Post #219, serving as the Commander for many years. Ron and Larry White were instrumental in the design, construction, and placement of the Oxford Area Veteran's Memorial, and the refurbishment and placement of the Dough Boy, at the memorial.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: two as children: Dianna Kay, and Carla Ann; and Charlene (Gayle) Farwell; and Karen Ludeke; one brother, Steve Ludeke; two brothers-in-law: Virgil Einspahr; and Ormond "Jinx" Jones; a step-son, Michael Diez; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Kenneth and Margaret "Marg" (Stover) Hornaday.
Ron is survived by his wife, Sharon Ludeke of Oxford; his children: Pat Ludeke of Fremont, Nebraska; Brad Ludeke and his wife, Tracie of Holdrege; and Laura Tobiassen of Minden, Nebraska; eight grandchildren: Kylie Rush and husband, Marcus of Omaha, Nebraska; Kelsie Gardels and husband, Thomas of Wilcox; Lexie Ludeke of Holdrege; Morgan Thomas and husband, Blake of Hazelgreen, Alabama; Chyne Dietz and wife, Alyssa of Kocomo, Indiana; Seth Saf and his wife, Ashley of Bartley, Nebraska; Michael Ray Dietz of Staplehurst, Nebraska; and Caleb Dietz (Emalee Goodwin) of Staplehurst; seven great-grandchildren: Amyiah Ross; Griffin and Kennadie Gardels; Margo Dietz; Fin and Fay Saf; and Harper Jo; his siblings: Janis Einspahr of Oxford; Sharon Jones of Oxford; Lana Jean Nitchie and her husband, Ron of Holdrege; and Rodney Kim Ludeke and his wife, Patti of Oxford; a brother-in-law, Larry Hornaday and his wife, Jo of Kearney, Nebraska; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Oxford, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A memorial has been established in Ron's honor and kindly suggested to the Oxford American Legion; Oxford First Baptist Church; Oxford Golden Generation Center / Hill Top Event Center; or the Cardinal Country Club.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.