Joseph Francis Ludwig

April 10, 1922 ~ April 29, 2024
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.
Services
Visitation: May 5, 2024 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hugeback & Johnson Funeral Home - Elma
508 Maple St
Elma, IA 50628
Memorial Mass: May 6, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - Elma
203 7th Street
Elma, IA 50628
Our sympathy to all the Ludwig family
Our Deepest Sympathy to all the family !!
Sincere condolences.🙏🙏
My sympathy’s to the family. Joe was one of a kind.
So very sorry for your loss, Joe was a nice person to talk to
So Sorry to hear this – our old neighbor that became our new neighbor!! Bless his Soul!! Sending hugs!
Thinking of all of you’s!
A truly wonderful man. Was a neighbor while growing up and worked for Joe on his farm as a young teenager. A great teacher, taught the job and then expected you to do it responsibly. Just not enough people in this world like him.
Our deepest sympathy to Joe’s family.
Our condolences to all the families that were loved by your Dad. 💔
Joe was our neighbor while I lived on the farm east of Elma with my family. He was a very talented man. Great carpenter and electrician. He eventually retired from farming and went into the plumbing and heating business in Elma with another man, and he eventually took over the business by himself. My dad, Mat Palmersheim actually worked for Joe’s business for a couple of years after dad also retired from farming and moved to the town of Elma. In our young days, my younger brothers and I often played with Tom and Rosemary down by the creek, that ran through both properties.
Joe was a great guy and know he and my brother Francis use to talk often until Fran passed away a couple months ago. I had the opportunity to call him and when he answered the phone I asked if this was Ludwig plumbing and heating and he started laughing. We had a great visit and I told him I remember driving the tractor on the wagon as dad loaded the corn bundles when he was filling silo that way and he said yes those we the old days ! You always knew if you had a problem with your water, heating or electric and called him he would be there to help you out! He will be missed!!
My deepest sympathy to all the family!