Robert Luedtke

Robert Frederick Luedtke, 92, of Kerrville, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, April 19, 2016.\r\n \r\nServices will be at Grimes Funeral Chapels at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. \r\n \r\nRobert was born to Bertha and Frederick Luedtke on November 10, 1923 in Chicago, IL. At the age of 18 Robert began his career at Illinois Bell Telephone in Chicago. That is where he met the love of his life, Mary Ellyn Rose. Shortly thereafter he was called to serve his country in World War II. While in the Army he was stationed in Africa and Italy with the Signal Corp for three years and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his return Mary and Robert immediately were married and remained together for 69 years until her death in June of 2015. After 37 years at Illinois Bell he successfully worked his way up from lineman to inside plant engineer. His proudest professional achievement came after completing the phone cable engineering specifications for the Sears Tower.\r\n \r\nMary and Robert chose Kerrville for their place of retirement in 1978. During this time he worked at Hill Country Motors, Kerrville Police Department, and Kerrville I.S.D. as a bus driver and crossing guard becoming affectionately known as "Mr. Bob". Retirement years were truly golden to him. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, shooting at the gun range, and maintaining his automobiles. He also enjoyed working on various projects in his workshop. These were his passions in life but his family remained his highest priority.\r\n \r\nRobert is survived by daughters Kathleen Ellis of Springfield, IL, Laura Price Luedtke of Cedar Hill, TX, Wendy Lehmann and husband David of Kerrville; grandchildren Kristen Rupnik and husband Stan of Springfield, IL, William Price and wife Julia of Houston, Gene Lehmann and wife Brittany of New Braunfels, Geoffrey Price of Dallas, Darby Campbell and Husband Tyler of Kerrville, Corey Lehmann of Kerrville, great grandchildren Meghan Rupnik, Anne Rupnik, Simon Price, Carson Lehmann, and Parker Campbell, and sister Ruth Condo, 100, of Tallahassee, FL.\r\n \r\nMemorials may be made to Peterson Hospice of Kerrville.\r\n