Ludwig, Joseph Francis 1922 - 2024
LUDWIG, CHIHAK, VALVODA, RAUSCH, LOES, REDDITT, GANSEN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/22/2024 at 16:07:20
Joseph “Joe” Ludwig age 102 of Elma, IA died Monday, April 29, 2024, at Afton Oaks Assisted Living in Elma.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with Rev. Dan Knipper celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery in Lourdes.
Friends may greet the family from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma where there will be a 3:00 p.m. Rosary. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday.
Joseph Francis Ludwig, affectionately known to all as Joe, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, at the age of 102 in Elma, Iowa. He was born on April 10, 1922, in Lourdes, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Mary (Chihak) Ludwig. Joe was the beloved husband of the late Elsie Ludwig (née Valvoda) and the cherished patriarch of a large and loving family. He was a man of deep faith, kindness, and an unwavering spirit of community service.
Joe’s life was a testament to his strong work ethic and his commitment to his family. Growing up on a farm, experiencing the evolution of farming from the horse-drawn era to modern times. Joe married his soulmate, Elsie, on June 6, 1944, and together they raised six children: Thomas, Rosemary, Joanne, Jerry, Jean, and Susie. He provided for his family through various trades, including farming, carpentry, plumbing, and electric work. In 1959, Joe began a partnership with Albert Lauck to form Lauck & Ludwig Plumbing & Heating in Elma, later becoming the sole proprietor of Ludwig Plumbing, Heating & Electric until his retirement in 1984.
Joe’s retirement years were rich with activities he loved. He and Elsie enjoyed dancing, fishing, and traveling, splitting their time between their homes in Iowa and Florida. Joe’s friendly and faith-filled nature shone through in his active participation in community life. He was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Church, a dedicated Knight of Columbus, and one of the principal founders of Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Elma. Joe’s leadership extended to numerous community activities, and he was a fixture in both the Elma and Florida communities, making friends wherever he went.
Joe’s love for socializing was legendary, whether it was playing euchre, attending dances, or hosting gatherings with friends and family. His annual fishing trips with his sons, son-in-law John Gansen, and brother John were among his most treasured traditions, as were the fishing adventures in Florida. On his 100th birthday, the town of Elma and his extensive family celebrated with a reception that was attended by more than 200 people, a testament to the many lives he touched.
Joe was known for his kind heart and his unwavering dedication to his faith and family. The joy he found in life’s simple pleasures was infectious, and he was a friend to many. His and Elsie’s marriage was a beautiful example of lifelong love and partnership, celebrated through milestones such as their 50th, 60th, 65th, 70th, and 75th wedding anniversaries, as well as their 90th birthdays.
The legacy Joe leaves behind is one of steadfast love, service, and the joy of a life well-lived. He will be profoundly missed by his children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and a community that saw him as a beacon of light and kindness.
Joe is survived by his sons Tom (Lori) Ludwig of Bradenton, FL, and Jerry Ludwig of West Ossipee, N.H., daughters Joanne (Bill) Rausch of Little Rock, Ark, Jean (Kevin) Loes of Mason City, IA, and Susie Ludwig (Thomas Redditt) of St. Cloud, FL. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife (Elsie) in 2020; and daughter Rosemary (John) Gansen in 1974; and two infant sons in 1949 and 1951.
Memorials can be made to St. Croix Hospice, Afton Oaks Assisted Living in Elma, or Immaculate Conception Church in Elma.
Source: Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home database
Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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