Marilyn Jean (Hergenrader) Ludtke, 72, of Lincoln passed away unexpectedly September 7, 2021, at her home. Born January 26, 1949, in Lincoln, NE to Henry and Erna (Duensing) Hergenrader, Jr.
Marilyn graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966 and later attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She worked for Nebco Company as an administrative assistant to the company president. Her career at Nebco spanned over 30 years.
Marilyn was a farm girl. She raised Black Angus and Charolais cattle on her farm in Seward County, Nebraska. She raised corn and soybeans on her farm north of Lincoln. Agriculture was a big part of her family heritage.
Marilyn loved to travel and enjoyed adventure. She traveled the world and sailed the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Aegean with family and friends.
Marilyn was a natural sports woman. She was an accomplished game hunter and angler; hunted deer, antelope, wild bour, pheasant, and wild turkey. An expert marksman, she took down 17-point whitetail buck on the Seward farm, fished for walleye, northern pike, and hunted muskie on the Lake of the Woods in Minnesota and Ontario, caught wild salmon in Alaska and loved to deep sea fish for dorado and tuna.
Marilyn loved the oceans of the world. She scuba dived in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Thailand, dove “The Wall” in Puerto Rico, snorkeled with sharks, and competed in adventure jungle runs on the island of Granada.
Marilyn loved and lived an elegant lifestyle. She was a gourmet cook and went out of her way to entertain family and friends. Her life was good up until her body began to fail, but she remained brave and optimistic until the end. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Family members include her son Ryan Neal, Seward; granddaughter Katrina (Brad) Eberly, Southbridge, MA; brothers Stan Hergenrader, Geneva, and Rodger (Debra) Hergenrader, Beaverton, OR. Preceded in death by her parents.
Marilyn’s wish was to not have any services.
Marilyn was an animal lover, especially her dogs, cattle, and horses. The family requests that memorials be made the Capital Humane Society.