Gayland Luedke 11/17/2025

Gayland Herman Luedke, age 82 of North Hudson, WI, died on Monday, November 17, 2025. Gayland was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 21, 1943 to Herman and Hattie (Saar) Luedke. His childhood was marked with struggles, notably a tragic car accident that took his mother’s life, and left Gayland seriously injured. After a long healing process, Gayland found solace in spending summers at the farm of his Uncles in North Dakota. From this, he developed a love for the outdoors and gardening. Despite the early challenges, Gayland found his way to college, where he met Sandra Senechal.

Sandra and Gayland were married on May 28, 1966, as quickly as they could while still meeting Sandra’s father’s requirement of graduating from college first. Together they raised three boys, Adam, Dan and Nathan. Gayland was wholly focused on family, from carting around his sons to their hockey games for 15 years, to annual camping trips. He continued exploring the outdoors with Sandra well into retirement, and could tell you the name of every park, falls, or mountain he visited to the very end.

Gayland worked for MSI/Country Insurance for most of his career as a Senior Systems Network Manager. He retired from Country Insurance after 38 years.

Gayland is preceded in death by his parents. Gayland is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra (Senechal) Luedke; sons Adam (Carrie) Luedke, Dan (Melissa) Luedke, and Nathan (Jennifer) Luedke; and grandchildren Drew Luedke, Cooper Luedke, Elliott Luedke, and Esri Luedke.

A memorial service will be held celebrating the life of Gayland Luedke on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church-West Campus (1205 6^th St.) Hudson, WI.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hudson Food Cupboard.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.