Roberta J. Ludowese, age 82, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2017, at McKenna Crossing in Prior Lake, MN. This would have been her and her deceased husband, Jim’s 40th wedding anniversary. She was in her home surrounded in her last days by her family, friends and the excellent care of Park Nicollet Hospice and Home Instead. Roberta was a longtime resident of the Prior Lake community.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 13 at 11 am, with a visitation two-hours prior, both at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Roberta’s pall bearers will be her grandchildren, niece and nephews. An additional time of gathering will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 12:30-2:30 pm, with the Rosary led at 2 pm, at McKenna Crossing, 13810 Shepherd’s Path, Prior Lake. Interment will immediately follow at St. Catherine Cemetery, 4500 220th Street E, Prior Lake. Roberta’s urn bearer will be her nephew, Jeff Schmokel. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Roberta’s memory by her family.
On January 28, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN, Roberta Joanne was the youngest of 3 children born to William and Joanne (Nasiedlak) Schmokel. She enjoyed growing up in Prior Lake with her twin brother Bill and her sister, Sharon. Roberta was a member of the first graduating class from Prior Lake High School in 1953 and loved adventures. After graduation, she spent a few years gaining experience stateside with the majority of her time spent working with the Maryknoll Fathers. Then she went exploring the world.
Roberta worked overseas as a civilian with the military for a number of years, and was always willing to share stories of how much she enjoyed her travels. Working for the military allowed her to see the many places she wished to visit, among which, Africa was her favorite place. In 1975, she came home to Minnesota.
Soon after returning to the states, Roberta married James P. Ludowese on October 7, 1977, at St. Catherine Catholic Church and immediately found herself the mother of three children (Jim, Lori and Lisa), whom she adopted shortly thereafter. The family resided on a small acreage south of Prior Lake for a number of years.
Roberta was a dedicated servant of her faith. She served on the parish council of St. Catherine’s from 1984 – 1989. She also was involved with The Cursillo Movement from the late 1980’s to early 1990’s with her husband, Jim. Many in the area will know Roberta for her years of service at the City of Savage as an Administrative Assistant to the City Administrator, from 1983-1998.
Roberta moved in to the City of Prior Lake in Fall 1995 and resided with her daughter, Lisa, in a home near Lakefront Park, enjoying closer neighbors and events in the community. In recent years, Roberta lived at McKenna Crossing in Prior Lake. Over the years there, she enjoyed many new friendships and routines at McKenna~ like the breakfast crew she regularly shared her mornings with.
Through the years, one of Roberta’s favorite pastimes was playing cards with friends and family. Card playing weekends at cabins and a weekly card day at her apartment were events that she looked forward to. Another favorite enjoyment of Roberta’s was watching trivia shows and doing crossword puzzles.
She will be missed and forever loved by her family: son, Jim (Michelle) Ludowese and their sons, J.D. and Nick; daughter, Lori (Vince) Paulus and their children, Dan and Kate; youngest daughter, Lisa Ludowese; sister, Sharon (Boyd) Wermedahl; sister-in-law, Eileen Schmokel; many other relatives and friends.
There to welcome Roberta home is her beloved husband James P. Ludowese; parents, William and Joanne; brother Bill Schmokel; and nephew, Gregory Schmokel; and many other relatives and friends.
