Kenneth Ludtke was born to Edward and Daisy Bell Ludtke on December 18, 1934 in Belgrade, Mt. The family lived in many Montana towns including Bozeman, Toston, Radersburg and Helena. Ken spent his entire life in Montana. He attended Bryant school and occasionally his good friend Bob Royston would load Ken on the front of his bike and they would bike into Bryant school from the north valley. Ken graduated from Helena High School in 1952 while working at Brass Poultry Farms.
Ken met Joyce Bowen in 1954 and married in 1955. Doug was born in 1958 and Karen followed in 1960. Ken worked several jobs before purchasing Montana Granite Company in 1965 and as they say, the rest is history. Ken continuously worked Montana Granite Company until his son-in-law and daughter took over the business in 1992. Ken and Joyce joined Doug and Julie on the ranch and Kens second career was born. Being on the ranch was Ken’s favorite place.
Ken was a member and trustee of The West Valley Fire Department, and a trustee on the board of Forestvale Cemetery for 50 years. He and Joyce made many lifelong friends through the fire department.
When Ken was 78 years old, he and Joyce made a very long trip to Jamaica where he decided to zip line with his grandkids. He talked about his experiences for years after.
Ken and Joyce were married for over 64 years. Ken is proceeded in death by parents Edward and Daisy Ludtke and stepmother Cecelia Ludtke as well as numerous aunts and uncles.
Ken is survived by his wife Joyce, son and daughter-in-law Doug and Julie Ludtke, daughter and son-in-law Karen and Mark Putman. Grandchildren Sarah and husband Rob Heagle, granddaughter Lauren Ludtke, grandsons Aaron and Taylor Putman and granddaughters Lilly and Emma Putman. Great- grandchildren Brooklynn and Oaklee Novak and Harper Heagle.
Known to many as “Poppa” and “Two Poppa” to his great granddaughters. We will miss you Poppa.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. A burial will follow the reception at Forestvale. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ken.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 6, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Motnana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday September 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday September 7, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 6, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Motnana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday September 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday September 7, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Share
Robert and Karon Heagle says
To Kenneth Ludtke’s Family ,
We are sad to learn of Kenneth’s passing. Although we only knew him for a short time he always had a smile and good conversation. We will pray for comfort through this sad time for you all.
Love,
Bob and Karon Heagle
Gina Rasmussen says
We will miss you Poppa! Love Gina and Roy.
Rhonda Robertson says
Doug, Julie and families,
So sorry you have lost your Father. You have our deepest sympathy during this very sad time. We pray that all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May his peach be with you, His love never ends.
Bruce and Rhonda Robertson (Strainer-Score).
Mike Lightbody says
Doug, Julie and Family, So sorry to here of Ken’s Passing. The Ludtke Ranch will be a bit lonelier place without him. Had some awesome bull sessions at the gate. He was always so enjoyable to talk too, rotten little gophers were our latest topic and why aren’t there more ducks on the spring hole. Always made me feel Welcome!! This to me, is the hardest part of getting older, losing the people who made us and shaped us. Will think of him often as I sit in the blind and wonder why there aren’t more ducks on the spring hole. Just realized it won’t be a lonelier place, he will now be everywhere on the ranch at once, so be good! Starting to ramble, I’d better go. Thinking of you guys, see you soon.
Kathryn Schaefer says
Thinking of you all and hope your memories will bring you peace. Love and prayers to all.
Kathy and John Schaefer ❤️❤️
Rich Rose says
Joyce, Doug, Karen and families,
We are saddened to here that our friend has passed away. Ken will be remembered fondly by us. He took me, Rich, under his wing and raised me up in the West Valley VFD. He mentored with patience and led by example and I/we are better people for having known him. May we do his memory right by continuing those attributes he exhibited toward us toward others.
May His Peace be your peace.
-Rich and Susan Rose, Missoula
Rick O’Connell says
Doug, Julie and family. Sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Jan
Kirk & Lori Stetson says
Thoughts and prayers for comfort at this time of loss. May fond memories of your time him bring you joy.
John White says
Joyce and Karen, I want to send my prayers and good thoughts to you both at this sad time. I have been away from Montana for years but my heart is still there and I miss the times we had when Karen and I were in High school and the great dinners I had at your house. Ken was a great Husband, father and person and I’m sad on his passing. God Bless you both John White