Gary and Roberta Ludtke: College sweethearts celebrate 50 years of marriage

by Joan Tucker

In 1972, Roberta and Gary Lutdke met at Alma College in Michigan. Roberta majored in education and Gary in business. One day, Roberta and her roommate wanted to meet the handsome young men on the other side of the campus, so they invited them to a “Girl Bid Dance.” At the time, the college had a resource called Face Book, not like our modern Facebook. It was a book with a photo of each student, the degree they were studying, and the dorm they stayed in. Today, that book would probably break privacy rules, but at the time it was very helpful to Roberta and her friend.

They wrote a note asking Gary and his roommate if they were interested in going to the dance with them and if they could meet in the union at a specific time. Thinking the note might be a prank, the boys sent out a scout to see if the girls were really there. They were. That dance started a connection between Gary and Roberta that had them dating throughout the years. Their relationship grew more serious senior year.

Both Roberta and Gary graduated in May 1975 and were married on August 8 that same year. Their marriage took place in Alma’s College Chapel with Roberta’s father, a Presbyterian minister and Naval chaplain, officiating.

Gary had an internship with a local insurance company during school. He pursued this interest, applying to Prudential Insurance Company in Saginaw, based on a friend’s recommendation. He got the job, so the couple lived in Saginaw for the next few years. No positions in education were readily available, so Roberta found a job at Saginaw Community Hospital working in Occupational Therapy in the Recreational Health Section. She had previous experience from summer jobs in recreational programs for a local nursing home, making her an ideal candidate.

Their son Chad was born May 11, 1979, while they were still living in Saginaw. They moved to Stockbridge the following September for two reasons: Gary graduated from Stockbridge Schools and felt connected and comfortable in the community, but most importantly, he and Roberta wanted to be close to his mother, Beth Lutdke, who lived in Gregory.

An early Christmas present arrived on December 23, 1982, the Ludtke’s daughter, Emily. Roberta and Gary found if they managed their money carefully, Roberta could stay home until the kids went to school. She became an active mother; early on she was a Sunday School teacher and involved in her children’s school programs and classes. Later, she served as a Boy Scout leader as well as a Girl Scout leader for the six years her kids were involved in Scouts.

As the kids became more settled, Roberta started working for Goodwill, coordinating people with disabilities and the Michigan Rehab Services for job placement. During this time, she went back to get a masters in counseling, psychology, and education. This commitment resulted in some long days, but Roberta stated that this time was an example of why they have a strong marriage. Gary supported and cheered her on as she achieved her degree. She worked in special education at Vandercook Lake and later in Stockbridge Community Schools. She retired after 20 years of teaching and supporting students.

The like-minded Ludtkes embraced the community and participated in many activities during their children’s growth. Gary coached the kids’ sports, such as soccer, Little League, and basketball. Both Gary and Roberta were involved in the Lions Club, among other local organizations. Roberta is a charter member of Stockbridge Area Garden Club and the Stockbridge Community News. Roberta and Gary are proud of one another’s involvement and achievements, which they believe have strengthened their relationship.

Gary did very well at Prudential and won multiple awards and trips, allowing the family to travel to places such as Florida, Nashville, California, even Monte Carlo. Often, Gary would have to qualify for company conferences. They would all go and make a vacation out of the trip. For instance, when they traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona, for Gary’s conference, they explored the Grand Canyon, Sedona and other local attractions.

Last year, to celebrate the Ludtke’s 50th anniversary, the entire family went to Scotland. Emily and Chad along with Chad’s wife, Lindsay, and their two children—Kaiden (13) and Elise (11)—explored Scotland’s historical sites. Traveling with the family is one of the great joys that bind Gary and Roberta together.

The sense of adventure, fun, and laughter they shared on that trip will last forever, even the scary weather. Storm Floris, with winds of over 100 miles per hour, hit while they were crossing the Skye Bridge on the way to the Isle of Skye. Needless to say, that put them on edge. Thankfully, they made it over before the bridge was closed. Trees and campers were falling over, and the nervous travelers were thankful to get to their Inn. Even on a cold night with no power, they were happy to be inside, out of the storm. The weather cleared the next day and the sightseeing continued.

Gary was reflective during the interview about what made their relationship strong. He said it was an “honor to witness my spouse’s life,” celebrating their successes together and helping each other through the hard times. Roberta was right there agreeing to everything Gary said.

Later, when asked what advice they would give other couples thinking about marriage, Roberta had an immediate answer. Her father’s advice was, don’t marry just for love. Marry for compatibility in these five areas: economics, religion, intellect, social ideas, and sexual compatibility.  Not that there can’t be differences, but couples need to be willing to respect each other’s choices. This is definitely something to think about, and it really makes sense.

For this couple, their compatibility has allowed them to celebrate 50 years of marriage, and they look forward to many more to come!

Congratulations!

Photos provided by the Ludtkes.