Robert "Bob" Luedecke

HAMILTON - Robert B. Luedecke passed away February 15, 2021, at his home in Hamilton.   He was born March 27, 1944, in Corvallis, Montana, to Oscar and Dorothy Luedecke.  Bob was the youngest of three boys and is preceded in death by both of his parents and his brothers, Lloyd and Allan.  

Bob grew up in Corvallis. He attended school in Corvallis and was active in 4-H, showing pigs at the fair for 9 of those years.  In high school, Bob grew to love Ham Radio.  During this time, he became a Ham operator and built his first radio.

He met, and later married, Sharon Elmore on September 26, 1964.  Together they were blessed with 5 children.  Bob farmed for his parents and laid flooring for the first several years of their marriage.  He eventually got his dream job, as a stud mill sawyer.  He loved the men he worked with and that job, switching every 2 weeks from day shift to night shift.  The mill would shut down periodically for periods of time during the 33 years Bob worked at it.  During those down times he kept busy any way he could to support his family.  He worked in the woods bumping knots and at one point he worked for Ribi Lab on the weekends for a year taking care of the animals.  Unfortunately, the mill closed permanently and while helping dismantle the mill Bob took a bad fall, February 18, 2000.  Bob's injuries were severe, and he would be forced to hang up his work hat.  

In retirement, Bob focused more time on his two hobbies.  Bob (N7IWB) helped form the Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club and VE program.  Bob got Sharon involved, she got her license and often joked it was so she could do the work with the club for him.  Bob collected books of QSO cards from contacts he made all over the world.  

His second passion was old cars.  In 1972, Bob and Sharon were able to purchase a 1917 Model T that had originally belonged to Sharon's grandparents.  Bob restored it back to the original black, put a new top on it and did the upholstery.  Bob drove the car in many fair parades, showed it at car shows and the fair over the years, winning many ribbons.  Bob even built a 1920 Ford Model T pickup from parts he collected  from his childhood up.  He loved giving rides, getting and giving waves in his two Model T Fords.  

Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon; their children; Deborah (Bob Gingerich), Daniel (Laurie), Michael (Stacey), Steven (Kristy), Richard (Sandy);  11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.   Memorials may be made to the Grantsdale Community Church, Hospice or donor’s choice.

The family would like to thank the Marcus Daly Hospice Team for all the care they gave Bob and Sharon during this difficult time.

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