Dennis Ludwitzke

Dennis Ludwitzke, age 85, of Cannon Falls, died on Friday, February 11, 2022, at his home.

Dennis Lee Ludwitzke was born on April 9, 1936, in Lake City, the son of Roy and Irene (Orner) Ludwitzke. He grew up there and graduated from Lake City High School in 1954. Dennis had various jobs as a young man including serving as a Lifeguard at Lake Pepin, which he swam all the way across. He went to school at Winona State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, in 1958. He followed with a master’s degree from Winona State University, in 1968. On June 11, 1960, Dennis was married to Verdell Billing in Winona. The couple lived in Owatonna and Dennis taught school in Kenyon and Owatonna. They moved to Winona in 1964 where Dennis taught until his retirement in 1993. In 1996 they moved to Cannon Falls. They were members of Central Lutheran Church in Winona, and St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. Dennis was an active in the church choirs, enjoyed gardening, all kinds of art, upholstery, and doing puzzles.

Survivors include his children Todd Ludwitzke, Bruce (Michell) Ludwitzke, and Kris (Jeff) Prosen; grandchildren Ryan, Ashley, and Jack; great-grandchildren Maxwell, Isaac, and Jacob; as well as nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Verdell, sister Charie, and brother Gary.

Memorial services will be on Friday, February 18, at 11:00 am, at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church, 7459 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. The service will be live streamed and may be viewed by clicking on the link below.