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Obituary for James Ludescher

James F. “Jim” Ludescher, 77, of Dubuque died Monday, March 5 at Stonehill Care Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road where the visitation will be held from 9:00 until 11:30 a.m.
Jim was born November 16, 1940, in Dubuque, son of John and Ruth (Peters) Ludescher. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1958. He worked at his father’s grocery store/soda fountain (Johnnies) from 1955 until he entered the Navy in 1960. Upon returning from the navy, Jim resumed working at the store until it was sold in 1970. He then worked at Myers-Cox until 1994; he was an antique dealer and certified appraiser from 1970 to 1997, and worked at Bishop’s from 1997 until his retirement in 2003. He later drove cars for Anderson Weber.
Jim was affectionately known as “Jimmy Holiday’ by his family and friends as he would travel from house to house during the holidays, always with a smile and bottle of Asti-Spumonti in hand. Jimmy was known to travel the little league circuit as a superfan to watch the games of his great-nephews; he held a spot at the Althaus bowling nights and card games where he was affectionately one of the family; and for decades was a regular at his favorite restaurant, Marco’s, where he knew their family tree as well as his own. Jim held unique passions: he previously owned Appaloosa Show Horses that he stabled at his brother’s farm; he had a great interest in history especially the 18th century and had a passion for Native American culture. He traveled the country exploring and learning about his interests and made many friends along the way. Jim would take baking requests for family parties and birthdays and deliver a tub of cookies or bars, a hit among all who received his treats. Jim could frequently be quoted as saying, “To put it bluntly…” but there was nothing blunt about Jim. His stories were detailed and always laced with kindness and a positive tone, which is how he lived his life. It is fair to say he led a life of adventure. While a lifelong bachelor, he had deep love for family and friends, and enjoyed lunches with his niece, Heidi.
He is survived by his brother, John “Jack” (Barb) Ludescher, and his sister, Mary (Harry) Althaus, both of Dubuque; nieces and nephews Mark, Chris (Heidi), Tom (Sandy), Susan (Steve); and Mikayla (Matthew); great nieces and nephews Jessica, Jon, Erin, Jack, Morgan, Lauren, Lindsey, Rob, Piper, Brayden; and great great nieces and nephews Owen, Mia, Layla, Blake, and Deklan.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family gives special thanks to the staff at Stonehill and Mercy Medical Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for their tender loving care. A special thank you to Dr. Holm and her staff for the “above and beyond” attention and care they gave Jim during his battle with leukemia.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Hospice of Dubuque.
For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com
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