Gene W. Ladendorf

July 16, 1944–February 7, 2023

Gene William Ladendorf, of St. Charles, Missouri passed away February 7, 2023, at the age of 78.  Loving husband of the late Janice F. Ladendorf; beloved son of the late William G. and Helen W. Ladendorf; devoted father of Jana (David) Leppien and Mark (Christine Mrakotsky) Ladendorf; cherished grandfather of Meagan (Brandon) Poole, Hannah (Caleb) Seidel, Emma Leppien, Caroline Ladendorf, Stefan Ladendorf and the late Seth Leppien; treasured great-grandfather of Mabel Poole and one on the way; dear brother of Robert Ladendorf and uncle to many.

Gene was born on July 16, 1944, in Peoria, Illinois.

Gene was a dedicated worker and very passionate about Lutheran education. He earned his B.A. in Education at Concordia, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1966 and his M.S. in Education at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois in 1974. Gene first worked as a teacher/principal at Trinity Lutheran in Worden, Illinois. His next stop was at Holy Cross Lutheran in Collinsville, Illinois, where he was an 8th grade teacher and was later called to be principal in 1978. In 1982, Gene headed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he served as Superintendent of Schools for the Southern Wisconsin District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) until 1991.

From Wisconsin, Gene and Jan moved to New York, where Gene served as Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia College, Bronxville, New York.  He was the Chair of the Division of Education, taught classes, and was an advisor to many. Following New York, they moved to Texas in 1998 where Gene served as Headmaster at Prince of Peace and was later installed as Minister of Education at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Dallas, Texas, where he served until 2000. Gene accepted his final call in 2004 to serve as Principal at St. John’s Lutheran School, Glendale, Wisconsin where he remained until his retirement.

Gene “retired” in 2006 but continued to serve as interim Principal at five South Wisconsin District grade schools and twice as Interim Superintendent of Schools.

Gene married the love of his life, Jan Friedrich, in August 1967. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Jan’s passing January 29, 2023. Gene and Jan enjoyed traveling together to Europe, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and all over the United States. Gene also participated in a Mission trip to the Dominican Republic, along with his granddaughter Hannah.  Gene and Jan’s final trip was to St. Charles, Missouri where they moved to be closer to their daughter.

Funeral was February 18, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Missouri.  Interment was at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, St. Charles, Missouri.

Memorials may be made in Gene's name to any Lutheran school of donor's choice.