Donald R Ludwig Sr.

Donald Richard Ludwig passed away May 6, 2025 at the age of 92 while at Regency Hospital - West in Middleburg Heights, Ohio after struggling with many illnesses. He was born to Urban and Dorothy Ludwig (nee Carstensen) at their home in Lorain. He served in the United States Army as a medic during the Korean War but with the end of the conflict in 1953, was never deployed. He married Bette Kolbe on June 22, 1957 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Lorain. They were married for sixty-four years; as Bette's health declined during the last twenty years of their matrimonial union, Don dedicated himself to meticulously addressing each of her daily needs until, sadly, she preceded him in death on May 21st, 2021. Don worked for the United States Steel Corporation as a crane operator in the # 4 Seamless Mill at the company’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works. A member of United Steelworkers Local 1104, he retired in 1992 following a career that spanned more than four decades with the steel producer. Together Don and Bette had four children along with their spouses. Deborah Ciehanoski (nee Ludwig) married to Edward Ciehanoski, Don Ludwig, Jr. married to Kathy Ludwig ( nee Fairchild), Dale Ludwig married to Sherry Ludwig (nee Attie) and Denise Ludwig. Don and Bette have twelve grandchildren: Lauren, Alyssa, Therese, Andrew, Nathan, Kevin, Halle, Macie, Josue Jacob, Justin and Jeremy and are also blessed with five beautiful great grandchildren including Maxwell, Korah, Shiloh, Bette Mae and her new baby brother to be born and named in June, brother Jerry Ludwig (Pat) and brother-in-law Don Zadorozny. He was Preceded in death by his loving wife Bette Ludwig, parents Dorothy and Urban Ludwig, baby James Henry, brother Robert Ludwig, sister Gayle Zadorozny, and niece Roberta Ludwig. Donald’s family and friends could always tell he was happy when they heard his beautiful singing filling their home. He enjoyed astronomy, using his telescope and teaching his family all he knew. He helped foster hobbies in his grandchildren that they will have with them for the rest of their lives. In addition, he loved gardening, woodworking and watching football, especially the Cleveland Browns with his sons and son-in-law. He also loved being surrounded by his family and grandchildren. At the end of his life he had many loving people who enjoyed caring for him. His family, Roxanna Lamie, Ginger Ross, and many other aides. Kelly Wilms and all the aides at Live Love Lake Senior Living and the nurses and caregivers at Regency Hospital - West. The family sincerely thanks everyone involved for their care and compassion. Visitation will be Friday May 16th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway, Lorain, Closing prayers will be offered in the funeral chapel on Saturday May 17th beginning at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter Parish – 3501 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain. Reverend Robert J. Kraig, M.Div. will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria. Memorial contributions are encouraged to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation – 223 West Jackson Boulevard – Suite 350, Chicago, Illinois 60606. help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org

Donald R Ludwig Sr.

September 18, 1932 - May 6, 2025