John Keith Luedeman
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John Keith Luedeman Born April 27, 1941 Died July 3, 2019
With a heavy heart, we would like to announce that our father, Dr. John K. Luedeman, unexpectedly
peacefully passed late Wednesday, July 3. He lived a full life raising four kids (Keith, Eric, Jody and
Cathy), teaching Mathematics at Clemson University for 33 years before retiring as Professor
Emeritus, serving as faculty senate president in the early 90's, and bringing joy to many by playing
Santa Claus each Christmas at churches and local schools.
Dad received his bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University, his master's degree from Southern
Illinois University and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Buffalo. He was widely
published in the Mathematics arena of Semi-groups and Ring Theory, which none of us fully (or
even partially to be honest) understand. He also co-authored a textbook on Linear Algebra which a
few of us did grasp.
As a long-term Rotary member, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a founding member of
the South Carolina Aquarium and a member of the Seneca Architectural Review Committee. Dad
was a very active and involved father. He was heavily involved in Cub Scouts as part of Pack 31
and coached all his children in T-Ball and his boys into baseball until they were unable to make the
varsity baseball team. Always a boater, he loved teaching his children and grandchildren to fish and
drive the boat. He is well remembered by his kids for the many stories he read in return for head
rubs and the crazy songs he made up while carrying them on his shoulders.
Raised a strict Lutheran, he became a devout Presbyterian with an affection for Lutheran hymns. He
was active in his church.
Though he was from Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a basketball fanatic. Unfortunately 5' 8" point
guards were not in high demand in the NCAA, much to his chagrin.Hence, he became better at
tennis.
He had a successful second half of life in retirement writing grant proposals to help high school
teachers teach math more effectively. Along with this work, he traveled the world scuba diving and
listening to Jimmy Buffett music. He also found great pleasure in spending time and spoiling his
seven grandchildren: Daniel, Nic, Travis, Ella, Zachary, Zoe and Charlie.
The family is gathered in Seneca at his Lake Keowee home mourning, telling stories and addressing
needed matters. We've already run into so many folks with great stories of how he impacted their life
in a positive way. We can't think of a better way to be remembered.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, grandchildren, brother Joel Luedeman, long-time
fiance Teresa Oliver and her children and grandchildren.
A service in his remembrance will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday July 9 at Brown-Olgesby Funeral Home
in Seneca. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the
South Carolina Aquarium.