Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Walter Luedtke was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance at a house on 5th Street between Clarke Street and Wright Street. As he escorted an irate male out of the house, the male opened fire, fatally wounding him. The man attempted to flee but was subdued by his brother until other officers arrived. The incident occurred only a few houses away from Officer Luedtke's own home, and his family heard the shots. The 34-year-old subject was convicted of Officer Luedtke's murder and sentenced to life in prison on February 11th, 1925. He was granted parole in May of 1941 on the condition that he be deported to England. Because of the war, immigration officials were unable to deport him, so he remained in Waupun Prison. A year later, he was considered for a pardon, but a decision was not made because of his outspoken hatred for the U.S. and her allies and his support for Adolf Hitler. Officer Luedtke was a United States Army WWI veteran and had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 4-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-73666E85- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Luedtke gave the Milwaukee Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Milwaukee community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Walter Luedtke served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Police Officer Walter Luedtke is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In WI, 159 of 317 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50.2% of this state's fallen. That is 4 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Milwaukee Police Department, 42 of 69 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter Luedtke's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Luedtke Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Luedtke is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Luedtke was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
68 officers from Milwaukee Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
