Carl William Luedtke, Jr.

Carl (Duke) William Luedtke Jr. passed away on June 22, 2025 at the age of 96.

He was born on March 12, 1929 in Janesville and graduated from Janesville High School in 1947. On Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 he married his lifelong neighbor and high school sweetheart Betty Jane Franke.

Together they had 5 children, Cathie, Carla, Thomas, Timothy and Douglas. Carl was in the family business, Ward Brothers Transfer and Storage with warehouses in Janesville and Madison until the company was sold in 1974.

He was then in real estate until retirement in 1996. He served as president of MLS for two years and was president of the Board of Realtors. He was named realtor of the year. Carl was a member of the noon Kiwanis club and also served as President. He was a past master of Janesville Masonic Lodge 55.

Carl is survived by daughter Carla Agnew (Steve), Stephanie Agnew and family; Carrie Agnew (Rebecca) and family; son Tom Luedtke (Annette), Alex Luedtke (Gloria) and family; Madalyn Craigmile (Matt) and family; Jacquelyn Carroll (Scott) and family; Jocelyn Luedtke (fiancé Drew Coffey); son-in-law Gordon Beyerlein, Jeremy Beyerlein (Sonja) and family, and Jacob Beyerlein (Amanda) and family; daughter-in-law LuAnn Luedtke, Steve Luedtke (Jill) and family and Michael Luedtke (Aviva) and family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Carl Luedtke Sr. and Marjorie Lucille Ward Luedtke; his wife Betty, son Douglas Ward Luedtke, daughter Cathie Beyerlein and recently son Tim Luedtke, and great grandson Ty Rivers.

Carl cherished his family. 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren of which he was so proud of knowing every name and all their activities and interests at 96.

The family would like to extend their thanks and deep gratitude to Milton Senior Living for their loving care. Special thanks to Yesse, who tenderly cared for him even after he left MSL. Erika for her care and compassion and Michelle who was always there to help him even with technical problems. The whole staff was the best and we could not be more thankful. They were his second family.

Mom and dad were also blessed with the best neighbors, Judie (George) Farrell who helped them be able to stay in the home they built for as long as they could. They were surrounded with a lifelong group of friends. Their neighbors also became friends for life.

Special thanks to Agrace Hospice for his final care and help to the family.

The family is planning a private celebration of Carl’s amazing life and legacy for friends and family at a later date.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.