William A. Ludecke

William Albert Ludecke, 86, of Southington, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Apple Rehab in Plainville. William was the devoted husband of the late Judith M. (Fitzmorris) Ludecke for 52 years.

William was born on September 12, 1937 in Southington to the late Albert and Elizabeth (Thureson) Ludecke and had been a lifelong Southington resident.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love and service to his family and to the entire community of Southington. Bill served as an officer in the Southington Police Department for 31 years, retiring as a Detective. After his retirement, he continued to serve the community by donating thousands of pounds of produce from his garden to Southington Community Services every summer. Bill also owned and operated his own lawn mowing service in Southington for several years. He was fascinated by arrowheads and acquired an extensive collection that will be preserved by the Southington Historical Society for all to enjoy. He was also a talented wood carver and shared his skills by teaching a class at the Calendar House.  Bill loved the UCONN Women’s Basketball team and after one winning season, gifted the entire team with beautiful wood carvings, which were graciously accepted by the team members. Bill was also a lover of animals, especially German Shepards, and trained the first K-9 dog for the Southington Police Department.

William is survived by 6 children, Laura Kanute, Pamela Lee and her husband Donald, Holly Rosati and her husband Peter, Debra Abate and her husband Joseph, William Ludecke and his wife Lynn and Robert Erickson and his wife Laura and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Gray and husband John of FL and brother, David Ludecke and wife Edwinda of Windham, CT, several nieces and nephews and his beloved furry sidekick, Clyde. In addition to his wife Judy, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, Joel Kanute.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Southington Community Services, 91 Norton St., Plantsville, CT 06479.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Southington. Burial will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 2 – 5 p.m.  on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.