He was born on May 6, 1949, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Leroy H. and Florence Faith (Wagner) Ludwig. Ed married Barbara Hennessey on April 1, 1981, in Springfield.
Ed graduated from St. Louis’ Central High School. He went on to work in the retail industry in middle management, for over 40 years, in both grocery and convenience stores, retiring in the early 2000s. Ed’s favorite hobbies were playing poker, playing golf, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was always looking forward to hitting a hole in one. He was known as a funny, easy to like guy who was charming. He enjoyed pursuing a good deal, hosting garage sales and listening to classical and talk radio. Most of all, Ed was proud of his children and grandchildren in everything that they accomplished.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Iris Ludwig; one brother, Dennis Ludwig; and one sister, Patricia Turnbull.
Ed is survived by his wife, Barbara Ludwig of Springfield; daughter, Cherie (Jim) Montgomery of St. Charles, MO; sons, Richard (Kim) Ludwig of St. Charles, MO, and Chad (Jenn) Ludwig of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Regina Gantner, Zachary, Danielle, and Elizabeth (Michael Barbara) Holland, and Michael, Anthony, Marinda, Beckett, and Rowan Ludwig; great-grandchildren, Evan Holland and TJ Ludwig; brother, Leroy (Kay) Ludwig; sister, Vicki Petrowski; sister-in-law, Patti Ludwig; brother-in-law, Denny Turnbull; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. A Ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m., with celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL, 62702.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Springfield Memorial Hospital ICU for their extraordinary care and compassion they showed to Ed and his family.
