Jerald Irvin Ludeman
courtesy photo
Jerry Ludeman
SWAN LAKE — Jerald (Jerry) Irvin Ludeman, 77, was called to Heaven by the Angels of God, on Aug. 13, 2016. Jerry was born April 29, 1939, and died peacefully of natural causes on his boat at Swan Lake. He was doing what he loved to do with members of his family. Memorial services have been held. Jerry’s ashes will be spread at a later date.
Jerry was a long time resident of Geraldine. He was a member of Painter Brothers Squadron 102 Sons of the American Legion, and also a Charter Member of the Chouteau County Trailblazers.
Jerry was the son of Howard and Pearl (Rust) Ludeman. He was raised on a farm and ranch along three miles of the Missouri River in the Hole in The Wall country, in the Graceville area 25 miles northeast of Geraldine. He graduated from Geraldine High School in 1958, where he excelled in football and basketball. After graduation he farmed and ranched with his dad Howard Ludeman and brother Randy Ludeman.
Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara (Bobby) Hardenbrook on Nov. 18, 1963. They were blessed with two children, Tammey and Todd, and Anthony (Tony) a son from a previous marriage. After marriage, they made a home on the farm. They moved to Great Falls and then to Fort Benton. Jerry and Barb managed the Combo Theater in Fort Benton then he worked at D & K Tires. He decided to purchase a truck, hauling for Builders Transport. Being away from his family was not for him, and in 1972 they packed up and made their way back to the family farm. They continued the tradition of raising cattle and farming. Jerry then got to fulfill his carpenter dreams and built on to the old homestead house. He peeled the logs by hand and the log home was born. They later moved into the original home place. Later in life Jerry built another log home in Charlo, as well as the cabin at Swan Lake.
Jerry loved being able to ride the river breaks, harvest the crops, work cows, water-ski, boat and of course fish with the grandkids. In 1993 Jerry suffered his first heart attack and had a triple bypass. In 1994, after 20 plus years, they sold the ranch and moved to Charlo where he learned to irrigate. He and his sweetheart farmed and ranched in the area until 2005 when they decided to go home to Geraldine to retire. However, instead of retiring, they purchased the Geraldine Co-Op Store, known today as Ludeman’s Country Market, because the community they loved needed a local store.
Jerry’s favorite vacation spot was Swan Lake. Through the years the Ludeman family spent all their vacations on this beautiful lake. In fact, Jerry alone had been vacationing there since 1958. His slalom ski has been retired on the wall at the lake for all to see.
He always had a smile on his face and hug to give. He was an encourager, he taught us to never give up and to keep trying. He spent endless hours with anyone who wanted to learn, never, ever, saying he was tired or that it was time to stop. He was a natural at sports and this talent as well as his love of the water was passed onto his family. This led him to teach all and anyone who had the least amount of interest, to water-ski and to love the water. He was very proud of his family and loved them all unconditionally. One of Jerry’s greatest joys in life was supporting his children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews in every event they participated in. Because he attempted to attend every event they ever participated in, his empty seat will be noticed all over Montana. He was always one of the first to arrive and last to leave.
Jerry’s parents, Howard and Pearl Ludeman and his sister, Carol Ludeman-Diacon precede him in death.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father and papa. He is survived by his loving wife, Barb Ludeman, and their children, Tammey (Brooks) Ludeman-Anderson of Geraldine; Todd (Linda) Ludeman of Charlo; and Tony Ludeman of Great Falls; his brother, Randy (Sandi) Ludeman also of Geraldine and sister, Darcy (Curt) Ludeman-Black of St. Charles, Missouri. His greatest loves of all were his 6 grandchildren, which could do no wrong: Teagan (Todd) McKinlay-Fryberger, Brielle McKinlay, Tra Ludeman, Wyatt McKinlay, Jordan Ludeman and Mavrick McKinlay, who loved their Papa to the moon and back. Jerry and Barb’s nephew, Robert (Dee) Pauley of Great Falls, who they raised, many nephews and nieces, greatnephews and nieces, and their children, whom Jerry loved, also survive him.
We now have a very special Angel in Heaven watching over us, encouraging us to keep trying and to never give up.
Memorials may be made to the new Geraldine Co-Op Store group or a charity of your choice.
