Sheila Ludwig
December 4, 1949 ~ March 20, 2017
Sheila Ludwig age 67 of Fredericksburg, Iowa passed away March 20, 2017 in Fredericksburg.
A Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg with Rev. Brian Delleart officiating the service. Andy Trask, Eric Udasco, Scott Fleener, Wayne Fleener, David White, Craig Fleener and Jeff Chalupa will be Sheila's pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Sheila Lynn Ludwig was born December 4, 1949 in Newton, IA, the daughter of Dale and Ardis (Clement) Fleener. While in high school she was a three year member of the National Honor Society, a four year letter winner in track and in the top 15% of her graduating class. She graduated from Johnston High School in 1968.
After high school she attended Allen College in Waterloo where she received her Registered Nurse’s Degree. She married Larry Ludwig on March 2, 1974 at Rose Creek, MN. To this union four children were born. They moved to Fredericksburg where she started working at the former St. Joseph's Hospital in New Hampton and Allen Hospital in Waterloo. The couple later divorced.
Animals held a special place in Sheila's heart. She loved all kinds of them. Holding another special place in her heart was her family, especially her grandchildren. You could often catch Sheila listening to her favorite sports teams on the radio. She enjoyed her birthday club friends and was great at reminiscing and telling stories. Sheila loved to walk around town and visit with people. She was a true original.
Sheila is survived by one son, Brett (Jamie) Ludwig of Waverly, IA; three daughters, Bridgette Gruenberg of Iowa City, IA, Michelle (Eric) Udasco of Redmond, WA, Bethany (Andy) Trask of Fredericksburg, IA; mother Ardis Fleener of Altoona, IA; six grandchildren Annika, Alana and Kyan Udasco, Myla, Gavin and Kelsey Trask; two brothers, Wayne Fleener of Johnston, IA, Craig Fleener of Des Moines, IA; one sister Shari (David White) Mix of Goldthwaite, TX.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dale Fleener, and Larry Ludwig.
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So saddened to hear this. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Amy (Mauch) Walther Abd Family lit a candle in memory of Sheila Ludwig
Sorry for your loss!! May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family!
Daryl Kim Hartson lit a candle in memory of Sheila Ludwig
Michelle, Bridgette, Bethany and Brett, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have so many memories of your mom. Free spirit, passionate, and genuine she loved with her all.
Oh Mischa, thank you so much for these words. Not many memories of my childhood don’t include you in it! I feel so blessed you were able to see her for all her special qualities. The adversities she overcame and then to live life to the fullest on her terms will always be an inspiration for us.
My sympathy to Sheila’s family. She was a great person to work with. She was very meticulous about her care of her patients. She loved to pick out birthday cards for everyone and did a great job at it. She gave many cards and presents over the years. May she now rest in peace. Mary Wegner
Thank you so much for these kind words. We use to always have to hold a finger while she tied the knots on all the presents she would give to her nursing ‘secret pals as she loved her hospital family so much. She always found the funniest cards and never never forgot anyone’s birthdays.
I worked with Sheila at St.Joes for 15 tears and she never forgot a birthday. My sympathy to her children .
I loved reading this comment, thank you for sharing!
Shiela was a great nurse at the New Hampton Hospital. She was a very caring person and the patients loved her. I have many fond memories of our Birthday Sisters’ Club. I will miss seeing her at our parties. She is at peace. No more struggles. Mary Ann A. and Norma Ridder, I am sure, met her in heaven with open arms! Prayers are with her family for peace and comfort. God Bless. Love, Mary Ann Howe
Mary Ann, I can’t tell you enough how special my mom thought of the Birthday Sisters Club. She had so many responsibilities in life, but these were times she could truly let loose and enjoy quality time with friends. Thank you for being such an important part of my mom’s life. It truly made her happy.
My thoughts and prayers. Precious memories to each.
My sympathy to the family. I worked with Sheila at St Joe’s. Such a caring person
Thank you so much! My mom always cared for others more than herself, she was the very best.
Beth, Andy & Ludwig Family: We are so very sorry to hear the news about your Mother. Hold on to each other during this difficult time, and cherish the memories you have. Time will never erase the memories, but it will heal eventually. Your in our thoughts & prayers, God Bless you all.
I am so sorry to hear of Sheila’s passing. I worked with Sheila at the hospital many years ago when she was a ‘new’ nurse. She always cared and took good care of her patients. Rest In Peace Sheila!
Thank you for sharing, just hearing everyone’s tributes really has shined a light from up above. Our mother was special on every single level.
I was so saddened yesterday to hear of your loss. I remember being next door neighbors and you kids and mine played together. I am thinking of each of you and please know your Mom was loved and cherished. Lori (Adams) Wakefield Tony McNally Amber (McNally) Jacque Shain Kroenecke Allison (Anderson) Walker
Sheila was a wonderful friend, mother and nurse. I went to nursing school with her and got the privilege of working right beside her at St. Joseph Hospital. She was a very caring and dedicated nurse. She loved her family very much.
Thank you Lori and Sharon for sharing! So many of my childhood memories have you both in them. We know she is in a better place and would be happy this situation has brought her family together. We have cried so much, but we also have been telling so many ‘oh Sheila’ stories; celebrating her life with laughter has brought some level of calm and reprieve from grief. We know this is her work from above.
Ryan King lit a candle in memory of Sheila Ludwig
Prayers for the family of Sheila. My heart goes out to all of you !!:heart:
Thank you both! These words are certainly a comfort for our family.
Bridgette, Michelle, Brett and Bethany, our thoughts and prayers go out to you with the lose of your mom. Also to the rest of Sheila’s family. Hang on to her memories, they will comfort you for years. Love you all.
Thank you, Linda. Our hearts are breaking as our mom loved us unconditionally and did the very best to raise all of us to be kind, generous, and successful people. She never blamed anyone for her hardships in life, but showed strength through perseverance, integrity, and hard work. She was a remarkable woman that was loved by everyone, including dad. We have so many lovely memories of our childhood with you and our cousins. We went through boxes of old pictures today and a good number of those were with the Ludwig family, including Grandpa (Earl) Ludwig. You were all part of our important childhood celebrations from baptisms, first communions, birthdays, holidays…..the list goes on and on. Family is sacred and so is acceptance and forgiveness, which is what we learned from her based on how she lived her life.
Cindy Lantow lit a candle in memory of Sheila Ludwig
My deepest sympathy goes to all of you. Keep the memories close … remember her smile and laugh and know that she will always be with you. I will miss seeing Sheila walk around town and her stopping into the City Hall, whether it be to pay her bill or to just say Hi! Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers! Remember this ‘God needed another angel and he chose your Mom, Sheila’.
The Staker family sends their deepest sympathies to your family. Your mother was one of the most loyal supporters of your athletic and extra- curricula talents. God bless your family for such a loving mother. God bless.
My deepest sypathy to all of you and your families. I will miss Sheila coming into the Post Office every few days to pick up her mail and visit. Her and I would talk about our families and she would show me cards that she was sending out to family. She sure knew how to pick out funny ones. I will miss her smile and she always knew how to lift my spirits when I was having a bad day.
My heartfelt sympaties to Bridget, Michelle, Brett, and Bethany. Growing up as neighbors long ago are my fondest memories of your mom! Let all your memories fill your heart at this difficult time! Brenda, William, Shirlee, and Don.
Thoughts and prayers to all the families and to all the many friends of Sheila’s at this trying time now and in the days ahead . Hope all the great memories help you find comfort and peace!
Many fond memories of going to LPN school and working at St.Joseph Hospital with Sheila. She is the definition of what a nurse is. Great mother and friend. My son spent a lot of time at her home playing with so ,Brett. I worked along side Bridgette and Michele and know first hand that these children have been blessed with a great mother. May memories carry all of you through these difficult days.:heart:
You have my condolences on the loss of your mother. My family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to Sheila’s dear children…..Bridgette, Michelle, Bethany & Brett, she loved you and your families with her whole heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you cherish and honor your special Mother who gave you life. May God bless each of you. :two_hearts:
Your mom was one of my great nurses when I was hospitalized during my cancer treatments, Michelle…she was one of a kind and will be truly missed. :two_hearts:
I still have several of the birthday presents she gave me when we worked together. One of the most caring and kind hearted people and most thorough nurses I ever knew. Marianne Kurash
I remember her telling me how she looked for a card that ‘fit’ the person she was gifting, her cards always made me laugh!! I was blessed to have known her and worked with her. May she rest in peace
Beth, Andy and Ludwig family we are so sorry for your sudden loss. I met your mom when working at St. Joseph Hospital. Did not work closely with her but she was a special person and nurse. Always meticulous about all she did and oh so friendly to all. We all have special memories of Sheila.
Reading these memories bring tears and a smile all at once. Thinking back to the many weekends I spent with the Ludwig family, I will always remember how Sheila made the best of what she had and how devoted she was to her job. I wish you the strength to get through this very difficult time.
Sheila was a kind hearted and genuine person; a wonderful aunt! My thoughts and prayers are with my cousins, Ludwig and Fleener families and all of Sheila’s friends. The trips to Fredericksburg Iowa as a young child and later as an adult are good memories of mine. I’ll miss my aunt.
Waverly CIS family purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Sheila Ludwig.
Thoughts and prayers to Shiela’s family. I worked with Shiela at St. Joseph’s/Mercy Hospital. She was a great and caring nurse and a pleasure to work with. She never missed a co-workers birthday with cards and/or gifts. I have many gifts from her I still use and always think of her when I use them. When it was Sheila’s birthday it looked like Christmas because many of us brought her gifts. My deepest sympathies for your loss. God Bless.
To Sheila’s children – We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. We were next door neighbors to your family back in the late 70’s & you played with my girls. Cherish all the many wonderful memories you have with your Mom. She was a very caring person. Ron & Deb (Mauch) Brown Angella (Mauch) Ramirez Amy (Mauch) Walther Jonna (Mauch) Hayes
Thank you so much for reaching out. So many great memories with your family playing in our backyard. I still remember your house as it was always so beautiful inside. 🙂
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Sheila Ludwig.
Becky, you were like a daughter to Mom. She always continued to ask me how you were doing. She knew that you (and your dad’s curfew) were the reason why I stayed out of trouble in high school. Your family was always so accepting and caring. I honestly couldn’t get through this time without you and the connection you have always had with our family. We love you!
Thank you, Michael! So good to hear from you. So many of my best childhood memories were when our families would get together. Mom always said how much she enjoyed being your penpal when you first moved away. You meant a lot to her.
Thank you, Dona! Reading these words made my heart smile thinking of how much joy she had picking out cards and gifts for others. She loved the people she worked with at St. Joseph’s Hospital. We are so blessed that she had such a wonderful second family there who appreciated all her special qualities.
Thank you Cindy and Staker family for your kind words. Our mother loved living in Fredericksburg and the connections she made over the years. It was the only place that felt like home to her. She lived the life that she wanted to the fullest. Simple pleasures and conversations with others were so important to her.
Thank you, Tawny! My mom would tell me one of her highlights in her daily routine was going to the post office. She loved sending letters and getting her mail. We so appreciated you taking the time to talk with her; socializing with others in town was very important to her.
Thank you, Brenda! We have so many memories of being at your house and having Don come over to visit my dad. We so appreciate hearing from you, it’s means so much.
Thank you, Sharon! I honestly think Mom having you there to help her keep moving forward in her education was a main reason she continued even when she was coming off a night shift. We all loved your family and, for me, working with you. My mom was blessed with a great community network when we were going up!
Thank you, Crawfords, for these beautiful words. You have all been integrated in our lives growing up and are part of the childhood memories we have.
I want you to know that I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I loved Sheila’s sense of humor and listening to her stories. She was such a fun and loving person. She will be greatly missed. I feel lucky to have known her.
Shelia was my first cousin and I ran across this sad news quite by accident! I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. If I know Sheila at all she raised you well by a loving example. She attended my wedding in Tucson almost forty years ago as a wonderful surprise to me! I remember look alike homemade pajamas at Christmas time and conversations perched on the edge of her bed about life and boyfriends when we were just teenagers. Your Grandma and Grandpa Fleener talked about you kids and were proud of you beyond measure. I am sobered, sad, and thankful all at the same time. Love to all!
Shelia was my first cousin and I ran across this sad news quite by accident! I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. If I know Sheila at all she raised you well by a loving example. She attended my wedding in Tucson almost forty years ago as a wonderful surprise to me! I remember look alike homemade pajamas at Christmas time and conversations perched on the edge of her bed about life and boyfriends when we were just teenagers. Your Grandma and Grandpa Fleener talked about you kids and were proud of you beyond measure. I am sobered, sad, and thankful all at the same time. Love to all! Lynn Fleener Lothman
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