Ted Ludovissie

Theodore “Ted” Ludovissie, age 87, passed away at Tri County Hospital in Wadena, MN, on February 21, 2011. Ted was born on November 18, 1923 near Wadena, to Nick and Anna (Uselman) Ludovissie. Ted served in the US Army from January 1945 to March 1946. He was united in marriage to Genevieve “Gen” Resch on November 14, 1944, and they lived north of Staples on a farm. Ted farmed for many years and supplemented his income by laying brick and concrete block. In 1970, they purchased and operated “Ted & Gen’s BBQ” in Aldrich, until they started wintering in Mesa, AZ in 1975. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Staples Council and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2000, he married Wilhelmina “Willa” Hoffman and they have lived in Wadena for the last ten years. Ted loved spending time with people. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, woodworking, singing and playing music, gardening, canning, playing cards and playing a little “Liars dollars”. He has touched many lives, has given us many happy memories, and he will surely be missed. Ted was preceded in death by his first wife Gen; parents Nick and Anna; son Doug; brothers John and Jim; and sisters Rose Burke, Mary Schwartz Finn, and Dorothy Geber; He is survived by his wife Willa Hoffman of Wadena; sons David of Wadena, Dennis (Joy) of North Branch, Don (Cheri), and Jeff, both of Aldrich; daughters Diane (David) Ludovissie of Mesa, AZ and Sue (Jerry) Ludovissie DeYonge of Staples; daughter in law Sharon Ludovissie of Rapid City,SD; 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; brother Tony”Bud” (Betty) of Golden Valley; sister Agnes Anderson of Long Lake; and sister-in-law Ann Ludovissie. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on February 24, 2011, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Donald Wagner as celebrant. Military honors were provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, MN. Honorary pallbearers were all of Ted’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Active pallbearers were Tom Ludovissie, Bob Ludovissie, Bill Ludovissie, Pete Capistrant, Steve Ludovissie, and Dan Ludovissie. Interment will be held at a later date at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, next to Gen Ludovissie, the mother of Ted’s children. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Aldrich Lions Club.

Ted Ludovissie

November 18, 1923 - February 21, 2011