Rev. Arnold William “Bud” Ludwig entered into God’s Kingdom on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at his Eagle River residence at the age of 82.
Rev. Ludwig was born to Rev. William and Gerhardina (nee, Harms) Ludwig in Easton, WI on Dec. 22, 1928.
He grew up in Stevens Point and earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College, Milwaukee, as well as a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
He married Ruby M. (nee, Winterroth) on June 27, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IL. Their marriage was blessed with nine children.
Rev. Ludwig served as a Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor to congregations in Merrill for 18 years; Moorhead, MN for 2 years; and at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Eagle River for 18 years before retiring in 1991.
He had an enduring love of the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Bud was a master fly fisherman whose favorite spot during the mayfly hatch was the Deerskin River. He also enjoyed walleye fishing on area lakes, especially Butternut. A lifelong hunter, Bud took many trips to Wyoming, Colorado and northern Wisconsin with family and friends.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, survivors include sons, Tom (Starr), Tim (Mary Ellen), Joel (Tiffany); and daughters Janet (Jeff) Drajesk, Marlee (David) Forke, Karen (Shawn) McCormick, Mary Jo (Jim) Denor; daughter in law Barb Ludwig Ehlmann; and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Irene (Rev. Victor) Brandt and Rev. David (Carole) Ludwig. He is further survived by other dear relatives and friends.
Rev. Ludwig was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Janice; a son Michael (1998); and sister Esther Bartz (2011).
A funeral service of thanksgiving and praise is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Eagle River, with Rev. David Ludwig presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Together in Mission (T.I.M.)” in care of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 223 Silver Lake Rd., Eagle River WI 54521.
“Blessings and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Rev. 7:12