Our Story

Our Story

Our Story

President: John F. Luedke

President: John F. Luedke

President: John F. Luedke

The Walter & Edward Luedke Memorial Foundation, established in 1993 and incorporated in 1999, honors the legacies of Walter and Edward Luedke by transforming personal loss into community strength. Founded by John F. Luedke in memory of his brothers, our foundation channels their stories into action - addressing mental health awareness, medical support, and community wellness initiatives. WEL Foundation envisions a community where mental and physical wellness are accessible to all, where resilience is celebrated, and where every individual has the support they need to thrive. We create lasting impact through direct assistance to individuals, families, and community-wide initiatives.

The Walter & Edward Luedke Memorial Foundation, established in 1993 and incorporated in 1999, honors the legacies of Walter and Edward Luedke by transforming personal loss into community strength. Founded by John F. Luedke in memory of his brothers, our foundation channels their stories into action - addressing mental health awareness, medical support, and community wellness initiatives. WEL Foundation envisions a community where mental and physical wellness are accessible to all, where resilience is celebrated, and where every individual has the support they need to thrive. We create lasting impact through direct assistance to individuals, families, and community-wide initiatives.

The Walter & Edward Luedke Memorial Foundation, established in 1993 and incorporated in 1999, honors the legacies of Walter and Edward Luedke by transforming personal loss into community strength. Founded by John F. Luedke in memory of his brothers, our foundation channels their stories into action - addressing mental health awareness, medical support, and community wellness initiatives. WEL Foundation envisions a community where mental and physical wellness are accessible to all, where resilience is celebrated, and where every individual has the support they need to thrive. We create lasting impact through direct assistance to individuals, families, and community-wide initiatives.

Photo of luxury living room
Photo of luxury living room
Photo of luxury living room

Mission Statement

From remembrance to resilience: fostering mental and physical wellness in our community for healthier, happier lives.

From remembrance to resilience: fostering mental and physical wellness in our community for healthier, happier lives.

From remembrance to resilience: fostering mental and physical wellness in our community for healthier, happier lives.

What We Do

Annual Walter Luedke Memorial Golf Classic

The WEL Foundation Golf Classic is our flagship fundraising event, held every September. The day wraps with dinner, live music, and a community gathering that includes giveaways or auctions—all in support of programs that build mental and physical wellness and help ensure our community has the tools it needs to thrive. Some years highlight a specific cause; others fund new or ongoing projects.

The WEL Foundation Golf Classic is our flagship fundraising event, held every September. The day wraps with dinner, live music, and a community gathering that includes giveaways or auctions—all in support of programs that build mental and physical wellness and help ensure our community has the tools it needs to thrive. Some years highlight a specific cause; others fund new or ongoing projects.

The WEL Foundation Golf Classic is our flagship fundraising event, held every September. The day wraps with dinner, live music, and a community gathering that includes giveaways or auctions—all in support of programs that build mental and physical wellness and help ensure our community has the tools it needs to thrive. Some years highlight a specific cause; others fund new or ongoing projects.

Projects

Community Impact Snapshot
Community Impact Snapshot

Mental Wellness Initiatives

  • Lead suicide prevention speaking engagements in schools

  • Created youth recreation center promoting mental health

  • Established children's museum fostering emotional development

Mental Wellness Initiatives

  • Lead suicide prevention speaking engagements in schools

  • Created youth recreation center promoting mental health

  • Established children's museum fostering emotional development

Mental Wellness Initiatives

  • Lead suicide prevention speaking engagements in schools

  • Created youth recreation center promoting mental health

  • Established children's museum fostering emotional development

Physical Health & Accessibility

  • Built inclusive playground for children of all abilities

  • Provide financial aid for children's medical treatments

  • Deliver emergency health support during disasters

Physical Health & Accessibility

  • Built inclusive playground for children of all abilities

  • Provide financial aid for children's medical treatments

  • Deliver emergency health support during disasters

Physical Health & Accessibility

  • Built inclusive playground for children of all abilities

  • Provide financial aid for children's medical treatments

  • Deliver emergency health support during disasters

Edward Luedke Memorial Scholarship

The Edward Luedke Memorial Scholarship was created in 1993, which awards funds annually to a high school graduate (or graduates) who have demonstrated academic excellence and will be continuing their education in the fields of health or medicine.

The Edward Luedke Memorial Scholarship was created in 1993, which awards funds annually to a high school graduate (or graduates) who have demonstrated academic excellence and will be continuing their education in the fields of health or medicine.

The Edward Luedke Memorial Scholarship was created in 1993, which awards funds annually to a high school graduate (or graduates) who have demonstrated academic excellence and will be continuing their education in the fields of health or medicine.