Lauren E. Luedeman

Lauren E. Luedeman, age 94, Wall, S.D., formerly of Custer, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at Ft. Meade VA Medical Center.

 

Lauren Edward Luedeman was born March 18, 1923 in Eustis, Neb., to Hans and Elva (Howell) Luedeman.

 

Lauren served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He took part in the Pacific campaign where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

 

After his discharge from the Army, Lauren worked for the Kerr McGee Coal Mine. He retired in 1985.

 

Lauren and JoAnn moved to Custer where he enjoyed taking care of livestock, both the four and two legged kind. He also began a second career from 1990 to 2012 as the conductor on the train at the Flintstone Bedrock City in Custer.

 

Survivors include his two daughters, Judy Finnell, Holiday, Fla., and Lori Garcia, Laramie, Wyo.; his son, Mike (Rose) Luedeman, Wall. 

 

Lauren was uncle to several nieces and nephews, grandpa to three grandkids, and gramps to eight great-grandchildren.

 

Lauren was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, JoAnn, Feb. 12, 2009; six brothers, Jerry, Jim, Wayne and Gayle Leudeman and Kenny and George Bydalek; and a sister, Betty Studer.

 

Military graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

 

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Chapel of Wall.