Carl E. Ludens, 87, of Springfield

Funeral services are 1:30 P.M., Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial is in the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield, with military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 PM until 7 PM, followed by a 7 PM prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield. Visitation will resume Thursday from 9 AM until noon at the funeral home.

Carl Edward Ludens was born September 19, 1921, the son of Albert and Marie (Wandscheer) Ludens, on a farm southwest of Springfield, SD. He passed away on Father's Day, June 21, 2009 at Avera St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Carl attained the age of 87 years, nine months and two days.

Carl grew up on the family farm and attended Logterman country school for eight years and one year of high school. He left school to help his parents and grandmother, Kate Wandscheer during the difficult years of the Great Depression. Carl was drafted and served in the United States Army from March 7, 1945 until he was honorably discharged on November 29, 1946, after having trained at Camp Hood, TX for the invasion of Japan. After the surrender, Carl served in Okinawa as part of the allied occupation forces and attained the rank of Sgt.

Carl married Edith Rienstra on March 3, 1948 and to this union was born two sons, Donald and Gene. Edith passed away on November 1, 1960. Carl then married Myrann DeRoos on October 5, 1962. Carl lived and farmed his entire life on the same farm west of Springfield. Carl and Myrann enjoyed 46 years of marriage.

Carl was a faithful member of Emmanuel Reformed Church where he served many years as an elder, Sunday school and catechism teacher, and a choir and quartet member. He also participated in Prison Fellowship and was a 33 year member of American Legion Post #132.

Carl enjoyed refinishing furniture and woodworking.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Myrann of Springfield, his children: Donald (Fay) of Rapid City and Gene (Cheryl) of Springfield; six grandchildren: Adrian, Heidi, Mallory, Gina, Megan and Kayla; four great grandchildren; his two sisters: Alberta (Eldon) DeJong of Springfield and Marie (Robert) Sloss of Beloit, WI; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Edith and two brothers: John Albert and Marion.