Vernon E. J. Luedeke, 87, of St. Marys, OH died 10:45 a.m. Monday February 13, 2023 at his residence.

He was born October 14, 1935 in rural New Bremen, OH to Lester and Hazel (Wittenbrink) Luedeke. On October 31, 1952 in Portland, IN he married Meredith Marker, who survives. They shared more than 70 years of wedded bliss.

Also survived by: son David (Jenny) Luedeke of St. Marys, OH; daughter Peggy (Jerry) McEldowney of Botkins, OH; son James Luedeke of St. Henry, OH; daughter Patty (Todd) Sullivan of St. Marys, OH; daughter Penny (Steve) Brown of St. Marys, OH; 18 grandchildren 34 great-grandchildren 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister Kathleen Meyers of Ft. Wayne, IN.

Preceded in death by: parents Lester and Hazel Luedeke; son Robert Luedeke; great-granddaughter Riley McEldowney-Monnier; brother Rolland (Norma) Luedeke; brother Roger Luedeke.

He served in the Ohio National Guard. Mr. Luedeke retired from the electrical maintenance department at Wapakoneta Machine Co. In addition, he owned and operated Luedeke's Trash Hauling for 60 years. This business remains in operation today, under the ownership of his grandson, Scottey Luedeke. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and Eagles Lodge Aerie #767, both in St. Marys. His favorite pastimes included fishing, working on projects in his garage and solving jigsaw puzzles. Vern will be remembered as a hard-working man who loved to keep busy!

Rites are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday February 17, 2023 at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys. The Rev. Rhonda Hainer will officiate the services.

Visitation 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to either St. Jude's Research Hospital or Shriners Children's Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Vern's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.