Chester Chet Edward Ludka

After graduation from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1938 at the age of 17. He was specially selected for sea duty and spent four years as an admiral's escort and guard on board the USS Arkansas BBA. Upon commencement of World War II, Chet was assigned to the 5th Marine Division. He was a participant in the amphibious assaults of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima where he went ashore with the second wave on D-Day.

During the war he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Elliott. They were married in 1943 while he was home on emergency leave. They were together for two weeks before he returned to the South Pacific and some of the most horrific battles in the history of the Marine Corps.

After the war Chet used his GI bill entitlements to attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he obtained a BA in English and a teaching certificate. While at GW, Chet worked part time for General Electric in wholesale appliance sales. This began a life long association with wholesale appliance sales including working as an international sales manager for Borg Warner. Chet moved to Texas in 1969 and acquired an ownership interest in a wholesale appliance company where he worked until his retirement in 1980.

Chet was an active member of the Bulverde, Texas community. He served for several terms on the Comal County appraisal board. He was an original member of the city council upon the incorporation of the city of Bulverde. He was active in numerous charitable civic organizations in Bulverde and Comal County.

Chet is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gwendolyn; two sons, Lawrence Susan and Chester Edward, Jr. Julie; four grandchildren, Jonathan, Warren, Tess and Isabelle; and a sister, Terry Stulir of Binghamton. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 4th.

SERVICE

FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010

10:30 A.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that those wishing to remember Chet donate to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the American Heart Association.