Memorial services for Arthur R. Ludtke Jr. of Albert Lea will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday and one hour before services at the church.

Art quietly left his earthly home Saturday, July 13, 2019, at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea.

He was born Feb. 26, 1926, in Walters, the son of Arthur R. and Pearl (Katzung) Ludtke Sr. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and then proudly served his nation in the U.S. Navy. Art served from June 1944 until his honorable discharge in May 1946.

Art and Donna Ingvaldson started their life together Sept. 26, 1948, at First Lutheran Church. Art owned and operated Clarks Grove Elevator Inc. until his retirement in 1996. In early years, Art and Donna enjoyed showing English saddle horses.

His joy for serving was evident in the many ways he volunteered. He served on many committees and boards within his industry as well as his community. He had served as Albert Lea Chamber president for two terms, the Albert Lea district school board for eight years, many offices at First Lutheran Church and its council, and volunteered on the Clarks Grove Fire Department. He continued his involvement well into his 80s by serving on the watershed board for eight years.

Art is survived by his wife of 70 years, Donna; his children Craig (Brenda) Ludtke of Albert Lea, Paul Ludtke of Rochester, Kathy Ludtke of Eden Prairie and Kristin (Gil) Irey of Waterloo, Iowa; grandchildren Mollee (Joe) Tscholl of Albert Lea, Marcus (Jordi) Ludtke of Elko, Brent Ludtke of Portland, Oregon, Brianna (Christian) Swanberg of St. Paul, Brooke Ludtke of Eden Prairie, Jamee (Derek) Bohlen of Fountain Hill, Arizona, and Jake (Shannyn) Irey of Lakeville; great-grandchildren Andrew, Seth and Zack Tscholl, Griffin and Tanner Ludtke, Brooks and Ella Bohlen, and Nash and Nolyn Irey; sister, Marlene Behle, of Albert Lea; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Karen and Tom Hovde of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur Sr. and Pearl Ludtke; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Roger Behle, Elwood and Norma Ingvaldson, Irene and Herman Myre and Jennelly and Robert Groe.

“Bumps,” as he was affectionately known to many, lived his life with great integrity. His great love for Jesus was always reflected by the love he shared with his family and community and his unending gentle, helpful presence.

Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran’s lighting fund.