Obituary of Jon Richard Luedecker

Jon Richard Luedecker passed away September 26, 2023, in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 81. He was born August 13, 1942, to Harold and Velma Luedecker.   He grew up in Centralia and Aberdeen with his brother and sister.  He attended Weatherwax High School where he met Jodi Beth.  He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the Icebreaker USS Staten Island.  On June 19, 1965, Jon married Jodi Beth.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Washington.  Jon and Jodi were happily married for 58 years until his death.  They had two sons; Peter passed away as an infant and Jeff resides in Sammamish with his family.

Jon spent the majority of his career (30 years) as a project manager for Washington State Department of Natural Resources in Forks and Olympia.  He also owned a small custom picture-framing business. 

Jon was widely known as a kind and caring man with a great smile and giggle and a quirky sense of humor.  His passions were music, kites, and travel.  He enjoyed singing with many choral groups, including Olympia Choral Society, Olympia Masterworks, Forks Barbershop Quartet and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.  He also loved playing piano, especially jazz.  His favorite songs were “Georgia on my Mind” and “Don’t Blame Me.”  Jon and Jodi loved to travel and did a lot of it, especially after retirement.  They enjoyed many car trips, exploring the United States as well as many trips to Long Beach for the Annual Kite Festival.  They also enjoyed traveling to many overseas countries, but his favorite place was always going to the beach.

Jon is survived by his wife, Jodi; brother, Murlin; sister, Donna; son, Jeff; and granddaughters, Chloe and Shelby.  Jon is preceded in the kingdom of heaven by his parents and his beloved son, Peter.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1515 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia, WA 98502.  Memorial donations may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or to the Peter Luedecker endowment at Seattle Childrens Hospital, MS 818-F, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005.

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