Phil and Jackie Luedtke are Lomira Citizens of the Year

On January 18, Lomira Chamber of Commerce will honor Phil and Jackie Luedtke as the Lomira Citizens of the Year.

Phil has called Lomira home since 1956 with Jackie growing up in Brownsville until they were married in 1976 and it’s where they raised their four children: Barb, Beth, Don, and Dave.

“My four children and eight grandchildren (Lexi, Brianna, Riley, Rylan, Sawyer, Landon, Bryson, and Brielle) are the center of my life,” said Jackie Luedtke.

Luedtke Lumber has been a staple in the fabric of the Village of Lomira since it was started in 1952 by Phil’s father (Ray was the Lomira Citizen of the Year in 1994).

“We enjoy meeting people and love the local support of the community. Without them, we won’t be able to do our community-based activities,” said Phil and Jackie Luedtke. “We are proud when our employees come back and tell us we made a difference in their lives.”

In 1978, Phil and his brother, Steve, incorporated Luedtke Lumber. Then, in 2004, Phil became the sole owner of the business until his retirement five years ago.

“One of my proudest moments of my life was being the stem cell donor for my brother over 12 years ago to save his life,” said Phil Luedtke. “I valued being a blood donor by donating 21 gallons of blood through the past years.”

Phil and Jackie continue to spend time at the lumberyard during their “retirement,” showing dedication to both the business and the community.

Today, their children, Don, Dave, and Beth, are proud co-owners of the company, continuing the legacy Phil and Jackie built over the years as the third generation of owners of the lumberyard.

Two of their grandchildren, Lexi and Brianna, are the current fourth generation of Luedtke’s working at the lumberyard.

“I believe Phil and Jackie’s biggest accomplishment for this community is developing Luedtke Lumber to be a premier retailer in the area that is always giving back to the community and providing the foundation for their children to follow in the path,” said their son, Don Luedtke. “Both were born and raised in the area and they have a love for community.”

They have generously supported local causes with their efforts and have left an indelible mark on the Village of Lomira and the surrounding areas.

See CITIZENS page 13

Phil and Jackie Luedtke are named Lomira Citizens of the Year.

SUBMITTED CITIZENS

from page 1 One of Phil’s key contributions has been his involvement with the Lomira Lions Club. He joined the club in 1976 and served as president for one term.

He is a long-standing Lions member helping lead and participate in countless service projects that benefit our community by playing a vital role in building the open structure for frying chicken at Lions Club events and the construction of the concession building.

“Phil and Jackie have always been so helpful to Lomira and the surrounding communities with their involvement in the Lomira Lions, Chamber of Commerce, St. John’s Church, Lomira Athletic Association, and the Lomira School District,” said Nancy Kohlman. “This couple is truly worthy of this citizen of the year award, and I am so grateful to know them by having them apart of our lives.”

Phil was co-chair with Morris Rose for St. John’s Lutheran School of Lomira extension project in 2001 adding classrooms, a new gymnasium, lunchroom, office space and commons area with the project benefiting the children in the community.

He served on the St. John’s Church Council with two different terms during his membership with the church.

Jackie has shown her dedication to the community through her involvement with Lutheran Girls Pioneers and being the cheerleading coach at St. John’s in the 1990s.

She also served hot lunch to the school, showing her generosity towards the community, which is evident in her children’s continued support of community service.

They contributed towards multiple projects at the Lomira Athletic Association baseball diamonds by helping to build the baseball diamonds, scoreboards, dugouts, concession and storage buildings by either volunteerism or monetary donations, in more recent years.

Phil and Jackie were one of the sponsors of the new scoreboards for the football field and gymnasium during the Lomira School District expansion.

They donated new soccer uniforms for the Lomira High School girls soccer team in 2022.

Phil and Jackie have supported the Lomira, Brownsville, and Theresa fire departments with their financial support throughout the years.

“They love attending local sporting events to watch all kids enjoy the amenities that they supported so strongly,” said Dan and Patty Waas. “Showing their continued commitment to the Lomira community and its future generations with their presence at these events is a testament to their love for the community and people.”

In 2023, Phil and Jackie provided the Friends of the Parks with a $15,000 donation towards playground equipment for Sterr Park.

“The Luedtkes were early supporters of the Lomira Farmers Market with Luedtke Lumber sponsoring events at the market right from the start back in 2015, and you can often see Phil shopping for produce there,” said Jenny Priesgen. “The Luedtke Lumber donation helped us finish the current playground project at Sterr Park, which was the latest example of how they have showed up for others by making a huge difference in our community.”

“Phil and Jackie have showcased integrity, generosity, and service which is now evident in how their children are supporting the community,” said Waas. “Their actions inspire others to get involved and make a difference with their selfless dedication to Lomira and it is something that we all admire.”

“They have set the bar quite high and I can only pray the good Lord allows me to continue their legacy in years to come,” said Don Luedtke. “Congrats, Mom and Dad, I am so proud of your accomplishments! Love, Don.”

“We are proud and honored to receive this recognition from our fellow, local community members,” said Phil and Jackie Luedtke.