"First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Jansen J. Conrad for doing such a fantastic job in representing myself at the festivities on Tuesday, October the 21st. If someone that day would have asked me what I liked most about Warren - I might have said that over the 40 some years that I've known him, that he never once corrected me when I'd call him Warren 'G' Ludwig. This is in reference to Warren G Harding. Even after this president's name was taken away from a Des Moines north-south roadway and replaced with MLK, I was still given a pass. Sure, a small thing. But it is huge when you stop to consider Warren's anti-whiner quality. Now Sharon, on the other hand....(whoops, time and place) It has been over a month since the last entry to this column. Just trying to freshen things up a bit. Hey, speaking of fresh, ya know I never did get a bad summer sausage from Warren G? Of course we will all miss the Sausage King of Northern Iowa! "
In loving memory of
Warren Stephen Ludwig
October 18, 2008
Interment: St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery
Warren Stephen Ludwig was born on December 31, 1936, in Algona, Iowa, son of Leo (Spur) and Ellen Simons Ludwig. He grew up in St. Benedict, Iowa on the Ludwig family farm, attending St. Benedict School through 9th grade, then graduated from Corwith High School in 1955. A life-long farmer, he continued living on the farm until moving to Wesley in 2004.
Through the years, he was active in St. Benedict Parish, serving on the school board, parish council, and as parish director and lector.
On November 16, 1963, Warren married Sharon Fix at St. Benedict Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Together they raised five children.
Warren had a passion for farming, especially the harvest season and raising cattle. He was a self taught craftsman, excelling in wood and metalworking. Also known as Jake, he especially loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed grilling, treating many to his locally known home made pizzas, and a cold beer.
Warren died on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at his home near Wesley. He was 71.
Surviving are his wife of almost 45 years, Sharon, Wesley, Iowa and his children, Lisa Ludwig and children, Jaclyn and Rachael, Forest City, Iowa; Sheila Ludwig, St. Louis, Missouri; Krista Reilly and husband Chris and children, Isaac and Elyse, Reno, Nevada; Zachary Ludwig and wife, Mary and daughter, Amy, Wesley, Iowa and Gina Marty, Ballwin, Missouri. Also surviving are his brother, David (Gruber) Ludwig and wife Carol, St. Benedict, Iowa and his sister, Mary Ellen Youngwirth and husband, Denny, Wesley, Iowa and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tributes
"Krista and family, Judy, Michael, A.J. & Madison are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May God Bless you and your family today and always. Michael Sauer "
"Miss Krista? -- Gina and Sheila: To you, your beautiful Mother and the entire family: Please know the Jones' have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting your Dad, he must have been fabulous as you girls all sure are! I bet he had a great sense of humor - just a guess! :) We love you all much! "
"Krista & Family, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. May all your good memories help ypu through this time. I know he will be missed.We send our deepest condolences. Dave & Marcia"
"Sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Warren. Remember all of your great times together and keep the memories close to your heart. In remembering we keep what is best as treasurers forever. May each memory comfort you and bring you peace. No one can take your memories away, share them often and Warren will be remembered always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt and Christie (Critter) Hobscheidt "
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if you ever need anything - we are there for you and your family. Todd Johansen and Mary Knox"
"Sheila, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Please call if there is anything I can do for you. With deepest sympathy, Suzanne"
"Lisa and Sheila. Just wanted to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family in your time of sorrow. Trust in God's Grace. I think of you guys now and again....and will continue to. Jeanne "
"Sheila, Gina, Lisa, and Zach: I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. Even though I never met your father, knowing that he raised such wonderful children tells me that he was a terrific person and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your mother and the rest of your family. You have my very deepest condolences! Dennis"
"Dear Sheila and Krista: So sorry for the loss of your father! He was a great guy! Was in shock to hear of his sudden death, know that your entire family is in our prayers and thoughts. Hold on to all the wonderful memories of your father. It's never easy our father passed on eight years ago tommorrow. Still think of him everyday. You have our deepest sympathy! Our condolences to the entire family! Love ya all Dawn Brown and Denise Loss"
"Gina and Sheila I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I am thinking of you often. Stay strong and I am here if you need anything at all. Love, Kevin"
" Lisa, Sheila, Critter, Zach, and Gina, I'm sorry to hear of your dads passing. May the sense of humor you have be a comfort. My prayers and condolences to all and to your mother. Tom "
"Shocked to hear of Warren's passing! Saturday morning I sent him an E-mail; sorry that I did not get in touch before now! I had nothing but respect for Warren and counted him as one of my best friends during school and later. You have my deepest condolences! Richard Bennett"
"Warren is my cousin so I have many fond memories of our younger days growing up around the Benedict/Algona area. We last saw him and many of his family during the Simons (Warrens mother's side) Reunion on July 12,2008, at Call State Park in Algona. Little did we know that gathering would be the last time we would be able to associate with such a outstanding individual. Yes, we also were very shocked when the news about his passing reached us way out here in the West. Warren was taken from us way too soon. May God Bless and treat him well. Our condolences to Sharon and family. "