Walter Anthony "Bud" Ludka, 81, of Traverse City, quietly passed away at home surrounded by his six children on January 17, 2016.

Walter was born May 13, 1934 (the 1st National Mother's Day) in Traverse City, Michigan. "Bud", nicknamed after his paternal grandfather, was the eldest of Francis and Lillian (Antony) Ludka's eight children. He attended St. Francis Catholic School for 12 years,and during his Senior year, was a member of the first Saint Francis football team. His love of sports continued beyond his school years, with golf and basketball being his ultimate favorite sports to play. He was also actively involved with his children's sporting activities, be it as their coach or their biggest fan in the crowd. It was common for Bud to sponsor and play in a men's basketball league, impressing all with his famous 3 point shot. Bud graduated third of his class in 1952, and received a scholarship to Michigan State University. In 1957, he graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, or as he would say "Comical Engineering."

On December 28th, 1954, Walter married the love of his life, Julia M. Endres. Father Joseph Kohler performed the ceremony in the St. Francis Rectory. Bud and Judy enjoyed 50 years of happiness, during which time they raised 6 children. Bud worked and travelled the world with Judy and the children, living outside of the US in Japan, France and Belgium. Many countries were visited including England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Sardinia, Holland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Bulgaria, Russia, Morocco, Tunisia, the Virgin Islands, and Maui. Bud enjoyed Maui so much that it became his winter home for the past 30 years. Bud worked as hard as he played and was the former owner of the Gordon-Gill Company from 1968 to 2005.

He is survived by his children: Karen A. Ludka of Fountain Hills, AZ; Walter A. (Hilde) Ludka, Jr. of Antwerp, Belgium; Steven R. Ludka of Traverse City, MI; Marianne E. (Jeffrey) Cowl of Liberty, TX; Matthew A. (Ina) Ludka of Lake Worth, FL; and Rosemarie A. (Mark) Cummings of Lakewood Ranch, FL. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren, as well as 10 great-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory. His siblings include: Ruth (Wilfried) Holsather of Midland, MI; Lawrence (Loretta) Ludka of Traverse City, MI; Elizabeth (Paul) Leask of Kalkaska, MI; Elaine (David) Kozlowski of Traverse City, MI; Virginia Schram of Traverse City, MI; Francis Ludka of Traverse City, MI; and Charles Ludka, of Traverse City, MI. He was the proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lillian Ludka, and his beloved wife, Julia.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 22 from 4-7 p.m., followed by the rosary from 7-8 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church (630 S West Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685) on Saturday, January 23 at 11 a.m. The family will be available for visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michigan State University Endowment Fund created in the name of Walter A. Ludka Endowed Fund of Excellence in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City, MI.