Earl Luedtke, 93 year old of Clarissa, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.

A funeral service will take place at the St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Clarissa on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery.

Earl Eldred Luedtke was born October 15, 1932, in Eagle Valley Township, the son of Robert and Anna (Daumke) Luedtke, he grew up on the family farm in rural Clarissa. He joined the United States Army in April of 1953 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on April 25, 1955, and returned home to the family farm, where he milked cows and raised grain. The family farm was later recognized as a Century Farm in 2013.

On April 7, 2001, he married Shirley Schroeder. Through this marriage, he was blessed to become a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all in the same day. He found great joy in his family and was known as a devoted caretaker, always ready to lend a hand to family and friends alike.

When Earl was not busy with his family or the farm, he was an active member of Gideons International, where the mission and fellowship reflected his deep faith in Jesus Christ. His life was centered on his faith and a commitment to caring for others. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Clarissa, and was always willing to offer help and serve whenever he could.

Earl also served for many years as a board member of the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa, and generously gave his time to several other boards.

On Monday, April 13, 2026, Earl left us here on earth and went to join Shirley and Jesus. He leaves behind his niece, Darlene (Rodney) McCartney; stepchildren, John (Cathy) Bristle, Dave (Rona) Bristle, Dan (Brenda) Bristle of Maynard, MN; Janet (Larry) Bosch of Vero Beach, FL; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and his lifelong hometown of Clarissa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; parents, Robert and Anna Luedtke; siblings, Edwin (Elizabeth) Luedtke, Matilda Luedtke, Robert (Evelyn) Luedtke, Wilbur Luedtke, Vera Luedtke, and Elfrida (Walter) Carlson.