Melvin Ludens, 73 of Springfield

Memorial Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with inurnment at the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield, with military honors. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, followed by a prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Springfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Melvin D. Ludens, son of John Albert and Regina "Kathryn" (Lukkes) Ludens, was born December 27, 1943 at Yankton, SD. He died peacefully Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls. Mel attained the age of 73 years, 10 months and 20 days.

Mel received his schooling in the Springfield area and graduated from Springfield High School in 1961. He married Judy Sherk on September 11, 1964 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Two children were blessed to their union.

Mel worked as the unit administrator and First Sergeant for the 153rd Engineer Battalion National Guard in Springfield for 33 years, at which time it closed. He then operated Mel's Lawn and Garden Service, tilling gardens and caring for lawns for several years.

Mel was baptized at the Emmanuel Reformed Church as a baby and remained a faithful member there all of his life, serving as an Elder and a Deacon.

Mel was a member of the Springfield Fire Department, where he served as fire chief for 10 years (1981-1991); the Springfield Ambulance Crew as an EMT; the Dwight Wood American Legion Post #132, where he served as Chaplain; member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce; and the Vice President of the Springfield Veterans' Memorial.

Mel loved his God and family. He will be remembered for collecting toy tractors and playing pinochle.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Judy of Springfield; son, Jon and wife Nicky of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: Mallory Waring, Alex Ludens, Evan Ludens, Chris Leasure, Mariah Leasure and Megan Leasure; sister, Lois Hornstra and husband Ronnie of rural Avon; brother-in-law, Tom Bruning of Peoria, AZ; two nephews; Todd and Tracy Hornstra; two sisters-in-law: Maureen Butterworth and husband Kenneth of Crestview, FL; Sharon Johnson and friend, Lori Soldatke, both of Inwood, IA; and many friends and relatives.

Mel was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Rudloff; parents and sister, Donna Bruning.