Russell Allan Ludeman

Russell passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Beehive Assisted Living in Belgrade, Montana, following an extended illness.

Russell was born at home on April 5, 1937, in Windham (Judith Basin County) and grew up on the family farm near Hobson, Montana. His parents were Ray and Hazel Gertrude Ludeman (née Strong). Russ was the third child, joining sister Lorraine, and brother, Robert. Foster brother, Larry Gore, joined the family eight years later.

Along with helping with the farm chores, he enjoyed his 4-H projects, and hot summer breaks at the swimming hole in the Judith River with his friends. Driving the farm vehicles and cars, was a natural for him from a very early age. He went to school across Montana in Stanford, Hobson, and Mount Ellis Academy, a Seventh Day Adventist boarding school, in Bozeman, graduating in 1956.

Following high school graduation, Russ worked various jobs, until he was due to be drafted into the military. He joined the US Army in 1958 and served until 1960, as a medical/dental technician. He then joined the Montana National Guard unit in Lewistown, serving another two years.

Russ met Karin Swanson in Lewistown, and they married on February 16, 1963. They lived at their family home in Bozeman for the past 60 years. Raising their two daughters, Kathy and Kristi, they were also privileged to have family and friends live with them throughout the years, and to host 4-H exchange students.

Russ very much enjoyed music, whether instruments or vocal. He played the trombone in school, and participated in chorus and quartets. When a chapter of SPEBSQSA (Society for Preservation of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) was started in Bozeman, Russ was a charter member, singing tenor in the chorus and also in several quartets over nearly 30 years of participation. He also enjoyed driving and caring for his 1948 Buick Roadmaster, as well as playing golf. Russ and Karin were also members of the Bozeman Antique Auto Club for over 50 years.

His working career included helping construct the first fire station in Belgrade, working at Boeing to build the very first 707, caring for plants at Langohr's Greenhouse, construction of various kinds, trucking, and last but not least working for the Gallatin County Road Department as an equipment operator.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Gertrude; his brothers, Robert (Nona) and Larry; his sister, Lorraine (Lars) Surdal; his in-laws, Bill and Angela Swanson; brother-in-law, Dee Boyce; and niece, Marsha Surdal.

Russ is survived by his wife, Karin; daughters, Kathy (Don) Cheney and Kristi (Billy) Watkins; grandchildren, Samantha (Caleb) Hill, Logan Cheney, Quinton (fiancée Ro) Nygard, and Brooke (fiancé Ken) Nygard; great-grandson, Owen Hill; sisters-in-law, Martha Boyce and Marlene' Gore; cousin, Arthur (Winnie) Ward; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place at the family home this summer. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service.

The family wishes to thank Beehive Assisted Living staff and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice staff for the gentle and loving care that was provided to Russ over the past many months.