Obituary of Georgina Luedtke

Georgina Luedtke "Gene" Gene was born on June 28, 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut. She fell asleep in death peacefully in her Florida home on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at the age of 95. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1953. From that day until her death she was the positive spiritual influence on the entire family. Gene is survived by: Her sister: Judy Murray and beautiful family of nieces and nephew. Her children: Julia Ann Tardiff & (Clarence), Howard Arthur Luedtke Jr. & (Elizabeth). Her grandchildren: Earl Tardiff, Gina and (Arthur) Mays, Michael and (Jamee) Luedtke, Rebecca Luedtke, Jack and (Brooke) Luedtke, Peter and (Dawn) Luedtke, Benjamin and (Julie) Luedtke, Christopher Luedtke, Douglas and (Abby) Luedtke. Also 10 adorable Great-grandchildren: David, Lea, Abbey, Vivian, Violet, Gwen, Ethan, Jackson, Brooklyn and Emily. Gene was preceded in death by her loving husband Howard and cherished Great Granddaughter Hailey. At 7 years old she was devastated when she lost her beloved father in an airplane accident. But, even at that young age she had a strong will of survival...toughened up...and became known as the neighborhood "Tom Boy". After High School, she became a Western Union representative in Florida. This was where she met the love of her life, who quickly became her life-long marriage partner of 65 years. While living in Seattle they had a daughter. Three years later, in Milwaukee, they had a son. Gene and Howard were very busy raising their children. Being together as a family was a priority. The family was very close, and enjoyed vacationing as they traveled all over the United States in their small travel trailer. Gene also enjoyed gardening, painting, nature, and most of all serving her heavenly father, Jehovah. When Howard retired, they moved to Florida. For decades Gene enjoyed the warm sunny weather and the opportunity to show hospitality to all, especially her visiting family members. Gene's trademark was her unending smile. She was always kind and happy with everyone. She loved the congregation that she loyally attended in Engelwood, Florida. There she developed many lasting friendships. She read her Bible daily and was so elated with what she learned that she wanted to share this happy news with anyone she came in contact with...and did. She spent her last 7 years with her daughter and son-in-law. There she had challenges that turned into blessings and happy times. During her last days, she enjoyed sitting on the lanai watching the birds, bunnies, turtles, and seeds that she planted, which grew into beautiful flowers. She always wanted to help, so she was happy to fold the laundry....and so was her daughter! Every night, before falling asleep, she would whisper in her daughter's ear, "Thank you for everything you do for me." She was always so appreciative. Her happiest memory was when her opposed husband said, "I would like to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses" . Gene was not afraid of falling asleep in death because she had complete confidence in the resurrection, as described at Ps. 37: 11, "The meek ones will possess the earth, And they will find their exquiste delight in the abundance of peace." And, Rev. 21:4, "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes' and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." That is where she looks forward to being reunited with her loved ones forever. A memorial will be held in Gene's memory on Saturday, May 8, 2021 on Zoom. PROGRAM: Virtual visitation from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. (EST) Memorial Service to begin at 3 PM (EST). Picture/video, Prayer, Memorial talk, Song, Prayer, Closing comments from family member. Please call or email Brother Ken for Zoom numbers at 941-999-1031, or kjdtab@gmail.com