Gerald F. Ludwig

Jerry Ludwig’s ‘Bucket List’:
  • A Childhood rooted in hardworking family values that lasted a lifetime.
  • Enlist to serve his country in World War II as a Merchant Marine.
  • 57 Years of a loving marriage.
  • Blessed with a loving family that included 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
  • Provide for his family as a dairy farmer.
  • An adventurous spirit that lead to many priceless memories including numerous trips on the Alaskan Highway.
  • Be a man of faith, filled with Catholic values.

Gerald Frank “Jerry” Ludwig, age 91, of Chilton, died on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Century Ridge in Chilton. He was born May 11, 1925 in Chilton, son of the late Otto & Lorena (Seichter) Ludwig. Jerry married Erna Schmitz on July 13, 1948 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Jericho; she preceded him in death in December of 2005.

Jerry served in the United States Merchant Marines during WWII and following his discharge, he farmed on his family homestead where he began with only 4 milking cows one of which he received as a wedding gift. He continued to farm and grow his operation until he was milking 28 cows. Upon retiring from the farm operations, Jerry began driving school bus for Daun Bus Services for the next 20 years.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights, and the Chilton American Legion and VFW Posts where he served as Commander and participated in numerous Military Honors services. Recently, Jerry was on an Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial erected in honor of all of the World War II veterans.

Jerry loved to be around people to share stories and to socialize. It wasn’t uncommon to see him visiting with friends at Seven Angels Restaurant in the mornings or play a good round of Sheepshead with family and friends.

With a strong sense of adventure and a strong appetite for fun, Jerry was known to organize tobogganing parties down Quinney Road’s hill leading riders all the way to the lake. He loved to travel to Alaska to visit his sons and to take in the breathtaking views and local stories which he would share with all of his friends back home.

Jerry will be remembered for his strong personable character, great work ethic, and fantastic sense of humor. He was a man who loved life and all of the blessings in it, especially that of his family including his 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. With a tender strength only a grandpa could have, each of his grandchildren knew that they really, truly meant something to this man who always had time for them. He will be greatly missed by all those who have lasting and loving memories of him because of the wonderful person he was.

Survivors include his children: Bill Ludwig of Fairbanks, AK, Gary (Mary) Ludwig of Darboy, Lyle Ludwig of Fairbanks, AK; a son-in-law: Ron Birschbach and his special friend, Betty; 8 grandchildren: Kevin (Nicole) Birschbach, Nicole (Ryan) Baus, Stacy (Bob) Casper, Sean Ludwig, Brad Ludwig, Aaron Ludwig, Garrett (Felicia) Ludwig, Dana (Charles) Smoke; and 15 great grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years: Erna; a daughter: Carol Jean Birschbach; and 2 sisters: Sister Ruth Ludwig & Estelle Lorenz.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Chilton. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St. ) in Chilton from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the Brown County Veteran Service Representative, Holly Gajewski for the help she’s given to Jerry over the past several years. They would also like to thank the entire staff of Century Ridge, as well as Calumet County Hospice, especially Tamra, for all of the loving care that was given to him as well as his family.