Obituary: Harold 'Stretch' Luedeman

Harold J. “Stretch” Luedeman passed way Monday at the age of 90. 

The longtime resident of Fox Point was known as Stretch and Hal, his nicknames, which were appropriate for his athletic and social stature.

Luedeman attended Murray State College in Murray, KY where he participated in their football and basketball programs and was a 1946 graduate of Lawrence University lettering in four sports.

He was an active member of Phi delta Theta. He served his country during WWII as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific Theater on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill. His seven major naval engagements were throughout the Southwest Pacific. He returned to enter the Naval VP2 officers program at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.

Luedeman was head of the Mutual Fund Department and VP for 44 years with Robert W. Baird. He was a member and past president of Ozaukee Country Club, member of Dairyman’s Country Club in Boulder Junction, WI, University Club, Milwaukee Athletic Club, Greater Milwaukee Country Club Association, PTA President and a longtime member of Fox Point Lutheran Church serving as a council member.

He assisted in selecting high school graduates for each of the military academies. He was a very active supporter of the Lawrence University Fund, actively assisted in major fund raising and was involved with alumni activities. He was always up for a good round of golf, loved to fish and partridge hunt. He enjoyed life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Luedeman was born on April 26, 1922 in West De Pere, WI the son of the late Margaret and Fred Luedeman, Sr. Best friend and beloved husband for 64 years of Elaine “Johnnie” (nee Johnson) Luedeman. Loving father of Christine Fenner of Waukesha, WI, Gayle (Al Hall) of Germantown, MD, James of Dallas, TX, and Mark (Carol J.) Luedeman the Hudson Valley of NY. Proud grandfather of Kate and Charlie Fenner, and June Luedeman. Dear brother of Kenneth Luedeman of Tupelo, MS and of the late Fred, Jr., Robert, Myra and Donald Luedeman. Further survived by other relatives and good friends.  

Visitation will take place on Tuesday 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Fox Point Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7510 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point, followed by a service honoring his life at 11:30, Pastor D. William Knapp officiating. Interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park Cemetery will be private for the family.

Memorials in Luedeman’s name may be made to Fox Point Lutheran Church or the Harold and Elaine Luedeman Scholarship Fund at Lawrence University, 711 East Boldt Way, SPC18, Appleton, WI 54911.

(Courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home)