Ludwig, Melvin, Herbert (1927-2008)

LUDWIG, CASPER, ALJETS, HONTS, SCHWIDDER, WIENER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/8/2008 at 13:46:23

LeMars Sentinel, Friday, May 23, 2008

Melvin H. Ludwig, 81, of Merrill, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City.

Melvin Herbert Ludwig was born May 13, 1927 at Lutheran Hospital in Sioux City, the son of Herbert C. and Kate (Casper) Ludwig. Melvin was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton. He attended country school in Hungerford Township. As a young man, Melvin began farming with his dad. Melvin served his country during the Korean Conflict. Melvin was united in marriage to Elfrieda Aljets on Jan. 25, 1958, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sioux City.

Melvin and Elfrieda farmed and raised livestock in Plymouth, Stanton, and Lincoln Townships until his retirement in 2007. He had also worked for more than 20 years at Sioux Tools in Le Mars. He was a quiet man who preferred to lead by example. Melvin would always take time for his family. He loved the Lord, his family, and was a steward of the land.

He was a longtime active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served on the Finance Board and had served as Sunday School Superintendent. For the past few years, Melvin and Elfrieda have been members of Grace Lutheran Church in Le Mars. He was also a member of the Casper American Legion Post #477 of Hinton.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Elfrieda of Merrill; five children: Glenn and Karen Ludwig of Merrill and their children, Cami, Nicole, Kaylee, and Derek; Ken and Charlene Ludwig of Overland Park, Kan., and their children, Kaylyn and Rebecca; Robert and Kathy Ludwig of Pierson, and their son Keaton; Denise and Kevin Honts of Des Moines, and their children Josh and Jonathan; and Marcia Ludwig and her husband Nick Schwidder of Mission, Kan.; a brother-in-law, Wilfred Aljets of Dorsey, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert C. and Kate (Casper) Ludwig; and a sister, Elda Wiener.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Larry Fett officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hinton, with graveside military honors provided by the Casper American Legion Post #477 of Hinton. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present to greet friends after 5 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue Friday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Darrell Wiener, Mike Wiener, Randy Wiener, Arnold Wiener, Lee Nilles, and Craig Thoreson. Honorary casketbearers will be his grandchildren.