Charles R. “Chuck” Ludke Was a True Character, Larger Than Life

Charles R. “Chuck” Ludke, 70, of Batavia, died Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 5, 1940, in Geneva, the son of Charles and Olive (nee Hoffman) Ludke.

Chuck was an avid hunter and fisherman who also did taxidermy work for many years. He was always up for a conversation about his beloved Bears and Cubs or the Fighting Illini.

Chuck was a meat cutter most of his life, working at various local stores including Eagle, Walt’s, Dominick's, Ream’s and finally The Fresh Market. He also owned and operated his own painting business, Ludke and Sons, for many years.

Living in St. Charles and Batavia his entire life, Chuck knew so many people in the Fox Valley area, and anyone who knew him knows he was a true character—larger than life. He could be found many a day along the banks of the Fox River trying to catch the big one, or talking about the one that got away. He was loved, and will be missed by all.

Chuck is survived by his children, Ken (Jackie) Ludke, Scott (Brenda) Ludke, Terry (Roger) Needham, Matt (Nora Johnston) Ludke; Stepchildren, Shane (Sue) Sauer, Beau (Deb) Sauer; grandchildren, Ryne and Luke Ludke, Tim Ludke, Corey and Cale Marshall, Dustin Needham, Vaughn Ludke, Brett, Jeff and Tyler Sauer, Beau (Tori Taylor) Sauer II; great grandchildren, Aliyah Needham, Aubrey Taylor; his brother, Bruce Ludke; close friend, Alice; and dear cat Abbey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Pauline “Polly” just seven months ago.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave. (Rt. 31) in Batavia.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m.Friday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in River Hills Memorial Park in Batavia. Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

This notice and photo are courtesy of Moss Family Funeral Home.