Dan Ludden

Dan was born and raised in St. Paul Minnesota to Robert and Margaret (Achartz) Ludden. From a young age he had an adventurous spirit. Endless stories of his mischief can be retold by his siblings, cousins or his best friend Bob (an accomplice to the shenanigans).

In 1977, shortly after returning home from a hitchhiking adventure to Alaska, Dan met Julie Frank. They fell for each other and were married in 1979. Falling in love young meant growing up together - they learned about each other while they were still learning about themselves. Their commitment was rooted in values they shared: love for family, kindness, and generosity towards others. The marriage brought three wonderful children into the world, and these same values became the foundation of their relationship and home.

Dan’s selfless generosity and magnetic charm made him a friend, brother, uncle, and dad to all who needed him. He had a rare gift for making a person feel important and cared for. Ask anyone who knew him and they will tell you the same thing: Dan always found a way to make the best of what he had.

In December of 2023, Dan was diagnosed with inoperable Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The prognosis was grim, but in true Dan Ludden fashion, he made the best of it. He met every suggested treatment with the same willingness he brought to everything else in life; he filled the time he had with joy and with all the all things he still wanted to see and do. There were memorable trips with Julie, music concerts, dream cars, cheering on his six grandkids (his pride and joy) at their respective activities, fishing, and meals shared with good friends.

Dan is survived by his wife Julie, children Joe (Katie), Tony (Sarah), and Hannah (Travis Sagedahl), grandchildren Wolf (aka Marion), Ruby, Lucy, Lenny, Eddie and Jane, seven siblings and hundreds of dear family members and friends who will carry his legacy and light.

He is preceded in death by parents Robert and Margaret Ludden, infant sister Eileen, brother John and his favorite sister in law Laurie Frank.

A celebration of Dan’s wonderful life will be held on his birthday in November.