Sandra was born on May 28, 1940 in Fremont, Nebraska the only child of Leland and Naomi (Bay) Christensen. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1958. Sandra studied Education at Wayne State Teachers College. During what would have been her junior year, Sandra underwent open heart surgery to correct a congenital defect. She went on to graduate in 1963 with a degree in Elementary Education. Sandra met Ron Luedke in English class at Wayne State, where she helped Ron achieve a passing grade. Sandra and Ron were united in marriage on June 23, 1963 in Fremont.
The couple moved from Hardy, NE to Oxford, NE before settling in Alma, NE in 1973 where they raised their family. After teaching third grade for three years, Sandra became a stay-at-home Mom to Matt, Marty, and Nate. Sandra returned to teaching after Nate went to Kindergarten. She taught kindergarten and first grade in Republican City, Nebraska. Sandra then became a resource teacher, which sparked a desire to get a degree in Special Education. Sandra spent the remaining of her teaching profession in Alma, Nebraska where she excelled at creating individualized curriculum for her students in Special Education. Sandra was especially proud of teaching the same three students with Downs Syndrome from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Sandra was active in the community for her children as a Cub Scout Troup Leader, a Girl Scout Troup Leader, and a Baseball Concession Coordinator. The Luedke's were winners of the Alma Christmas Lights Decorating Contest several times in a row, with Sandra orchestrating and directing the light placement and Ron performing all of the manual labor. She enjoyed planting flowers in the spring, making sure Ron watered them. She also enjoyed sewing, crafting, and was ever creative with the tools she had.
Upon retiring in 2004, after 27 years of teaching , Sandra joyfully transitioned to Full Time Grandma. Sandra's favorite thing in the world was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling to watch sporting events, dance recitals, plays, musicals, and graduations. During retirement she was able to travel to three places she really wanted to visit before her health limited her: Europe, Alaska, and the East Coast.
To those who met her it was very obvious who Sandra was:
-Easy-going and patient
-Thoughtful and kind, always looking out for the welfare of others
-Quick witted, with a great sense of humor, although slow to understand jokes at times but eventually got them!
-A leader by example
-Gracious, full of kind words and never swore
Sandra will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Ron and their children, Matt (Holly) Luedke, Marty (Rob) Allison, and Nate (Beckie) Luedke. Sandra will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her eight grandchildren, Jake, Gabe, Avery, Alex, Andie, Baylie, Breck and Briggs. Sandra was preceded in death by her mother, Naomi, her father, Leland and step-mother, Vera.
A celebration of Sandra's life will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10 a.m., at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont. Interment will follow in Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in honor of Sandra to the Special Education Program at Alma Public Schools, PO Box 170, Alma, Nebraska, 68920. Memo: Sandra Luedke Memorial
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(13)
Kathy and Steve Godeken
Republican City, NE Friday, May 4, 2018 Ron, you and your family have our deepest sympathy. We have lots of fun memories of teaching with Ron and Sandy. We also enjoyed watching their kids grown in to wonderful adults.Kathy and Dave Walsh
Endwell, NY Friday, May 4, 2018 Ron and Family: We're sorry to learn of Sandy's passing. What a blow! You and the family must be devastated. However, it's that strong family unit that you and Sandy forged and nurtured that will carry you through this tough time, and sustain you all until the sun rises again.Ron, our thoughts are with you our friend.
Kathy & Dave Walsh
Jim Sanders
Hayden,, ID Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Fond memories of our Deacon Street families becoming close during the guys achievement of Master's Degree at University of Idaho in 1971.Ron, my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Teresa Luedke Sandstead
Huntington Beach, CA Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Uncle Ron, Matt and Holly, Marty and Rob, Nate and Beckie, and all the wonderful grandkids, we are so sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers will be with you on Saturday. Many miles and years apart, but you are still the best cousins Gayle and I could ever have.Love, Teresa and Kevin and the 3 M's
Mary Goessling
Alma, NE Saturday, April 28, 2018 My daughter, Laura, was one of the three children with Down Syndrome, whom Sandy lovingly and skillfully taught. She was always uniquely open to discussions of ideas and eager to try new approaches to helping Laura learn. I was so very grateful for her and missed her during Laura's journey through high school. Laura was saddened to hear of Mrs. Luedke's death and immediately asked me to join her in prayer for Mrs. Luedke and her family. May she rest in the arms of Jesus.susan ashley
Alma, NE Friday, April 27, 2018 Ron and kids sorry to hear about Sandy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sue and Andy AshleyPeggy Horton Berls
Goodland, KS Friday, April 27, 2018 Ron and family,Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Praying your wonderful memories will help you through the rough days ahead.
Alan & Jeanie Kirshen
Red Oak, IA Friday, April 27, 2018 Sharing your sorrow at the loss of someone so dear. May you find comfort in the loving memories you hold in your heart.With Deepest Sympathy
Dan and Penny Rhodig
Republican City, NE Friday, April 27, 2018 Our Deepest Sympathy for the loss of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. May you gain comfort from your Faith, Family and Friends during your time of loss.DyAnn (DePrez) Sorensen
Virginia Beach, VA Thursday, April 26, 2018 My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.Don Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Wednesday, April 25, 2018 So sorry to read that Sandy (our classmate from 1958) has passed away. We are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Don and ElkeWanda McKenzie
Alma, NE Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Francis and I extend our deepest sympathy to Ron,Matt and Holly, Marty and Rob, and Nate and Beckie and the grandchildren. We have a lot of memories of Sandra and will definitely miss her.
Jim & Donna Miller
Superior, NE Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Ron, Matt, Marty & Nate: We are so sorry to hear about Sandra. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. We have lots of great memories of your time in Hardy. Sandra was a great lady. Our sincere thoughts are with you.