Todd Luedtke (78) of rural Mason

Todd Norman Luedtke was born on January 25th, 1947 in Kingston, New York and passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home in Altamont.

He was the son of Norman and Caroline Luedtke. He was baptized as an infant at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kingston, New York. He attended elementary school at Immanuel and Concordia Preparatory in Bronxville, New York for high school, graduating in 1964. He received his BA from Concordia Teacher’s College in 1969 in River Forest, IL, for elementary and secondary teaching. He had a masters in theater from the University of Illinois in 1974 and ABD for a doctorate in theater from the University of Oregon from 1988 to 1991. His international teaching career began at the Highlands Lutheran International School as teacher and principal from 1969-1972 and St. Paul’s High School teacher and vice principal from 1972 to 1977 in Wapenamanda, Papua New Guinea. He was a teacher and academic dean at Martin Luther Seminary in Lae, Papua New Guinea from 1978 to 1984. During that time, he directed dramas, led praise bands, dramatic clown services, led worship and directed puppet theaters. He taught English, art and drama at Portland Lutheran High School in 1984-1985, and was a professor of theater and English as a second language at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon from 1985 to 1988. He was professor of drama at Concordia University in Irvine, CA from 1991-1992. He taught high school English and drama plus was chaplain at La Vern Lutheran High, La Verne, CA from 1992 to 1998. He was on the founding faculty for Concordia International School in Shanghai as English, drama and religion teacher and vice principal from 1998-2007. In 2012, he was Head of School at Buena Vista Concordia International School in Shenzhen, China. He often returned to Papua New Guinea between 2009-2017 volunteering in various rolls at Martin Luther Seminary, St. Paul’s High School, and Highlands Lutheran International School. From 1988 to 1991, he was lay minister at Bethany Lutheran Church in Springfield, OR. From 2001-2007 he was often a worship leader at (Hengshan) Shanghai Community Church, Shanghai, China. In Papua New Guinea he led worship services in Pidgin English. Over the years he acted in, and directed numerous theatrical productions including Hamlet, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, Godspell and a variety of Christmas Cantatas.

He married Janet Wolff on September 1, 1968. They were blessed with three children while teaching in Papua New Guinea, Andrew, Rhett and DeAnna. He leaves behind his wife, Janet; sons, Andrew (Joy) Luedtke, Boise, ID and Rhett (Julie) Luedtke, Holland, MI; daughter, DeAnna Heimsoth, Longmont, CO; grandchildren, Isaac, Simon (Elli), Sierra (Ryan), Karis (Chris), Faith and Brittany; great granddaughter, Sophie. He is also survived by his brother Nile (Cheryl); sister, Andrea (Paul), Knoxville, TN; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends around the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Caroline Luedtke. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He was a dedicated teacher, professor, principal, director of theater, actor and worship leader. His love of travel took him to all 50 states and 44 countries while living internationally for 30 years.

Graveside services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 19 at Arborcrest Memorial Park with Rev. Marcus Manley officiating. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont with Rev. Gary Fortkamp officiating and visitation one hour prior to service time. Visitation will also be held from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 18 at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont. Memorials may be made to “PNGMS” (Papua New Guinea Missionary Society) or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.