Carl Ludwig

Biography

Carl William Ludwig, age 91, of Jackson Center, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family Wednesday October 8, 2014.

Carl was born in Anna, Ohio June 11, 1923, a son of the late William and Doris (Martin) Ludwig. He married Mary Boyer December 29, 1945, and she preceded him in death April 7, 1980. A special friend, Lillian Motsinger, also preceded him in death.

Carl is survived by four children, Susan Ware of Jackson Center, Judy (John) Sampson of Jackson Center, Deb (Ron) Middleton of Sidney, Ohio, and Ron (Sheryle) Ludwig of Jackson Center. They all proudly called him Dad.

Eleven grandchildren called him Gramps. His grandchildren are Cary (Pete) Masteller, Jeff (Jennifer) Sampson, Jennifer (Sean) McCall, Jodi (Monty) Csapo, Abe (Sara) Middleton, Abby (Jason) Wendel, Maggie (Richie) Beard, Seth (Britnie) Middleton, Craig (Rachel) Ludwig, Ryan (Sue) Ludwig, Eric (Julie) Ludwig. All have fond memories of a very special grandfather.

Carl recently said his favorite title was Poppy 2 - that was what most of his great grandchildren called him. He was given that title by his oldest great granddaughter, Cameron. Carl’s great grandchildren are Andrew and Jackson Masteller, Kayla and Madison McCall, McKenzie and Josilyn Csapo, Cameron Middleton, Madison, Jaydon, Peyton and Kriston Wendel, Amelia Middleton, Jacoby Beard, Ross Ludwig, Maryn and Caleb Ludwig, and Mason Ludwig.

Carl was born into a large family. He had two sisters and nine brothers. Surviving siblings are Inez Curl and William Ludwig. Jeff, Harley, Emory, Wilbur, Orlan, Elton, Earl, Paul and Faye (Huber) preceded him in death.

Carl was a proud World War II Veteran. He served in the 179th Field Artillery Battalion of the United States Army. Even after suffering a stroke and barely able to speak, Dad was still telling war stories in the Promedica Toledo Hospital. While there, he proudly wore his WW II Veteran’s hat to cover his tousled hair. Doctors and nurses alike stopped by to hear his stories and give him a thanks and salute for his service. He was pleased to have the opportunity to visit the WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight.

Dad was a carpenter. He started his career under the direction of Merle and Ray Leininger at Leininger Bros. Lumber Company. He went on to head the woodworking department at Airstream. Actually, Dad never retired from woodworking. Much to the chagrin of his children he was still sneaking out to the garage and working on projects right up to the time of his hospitalization. Besides wood working, Dad loved gardening as was evidenced when you passed by his home. You would often see him in the yard fussing over his roses and on weed patrol. Dad was a faithful member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Jackson Center. He served on the JC Volunteer fire department for forty years. He was Past Master of the Jackson Center Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge #458. He was a Past Commander and lifetime member of the Jackson Center American Legion Scherer Post 493. One of his favorite past times was hanging out with his Legion buddies on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon solving the problems of the world.

Friends and relatives are invited to share memories Sunday, October 12, 2014 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Jackson Center from 2 to 5 P.M. where a Masonic Service will be held at 4:30 P.M. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, October 13, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at the church where visitation will also be held one hour prior. Dad’s final resting place will be next to our mother at Pearl Cemetery, Swanders, with military honors provided by the Jackson Center American Legion.

The staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Jackson Center assisted the family with the arrangements.