Ralph L. Ludwig

July 14, 1931 – November 3, 2026

Mount Pleasant– Ralph Leonard Ludwig, age 95, passed away in his sleep at Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Ralph was born in Bristol, WI on July 14, 1931 to the late Albert and Pauline (nee: Mich) Ludwig. A graduate of Wilmot High School, Ralph went on to proudly serve our country with the United States Army active duty 1954-56 and in the reserves from 1956-62. Ralph was united in marriage with Patricia (nee: Scholler) Ludwig. Tragically, an automobile accident occurred involving several family members, where Patricia lost her life along with their precious 6-month old son, Gary.

After some time, Ralph was able to piece his life back together, along with their other young son, Mark. Ralph was able to find love for a second time…..and on September 16, 1961, in St. Rose Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with Mary A. (nee: Lutkus) Ludwig. Ralph ended up earning a degree in mechanical engineering from University of Wisconsin – Madison. Ralph was employed as an engineer for SC Johnson Wax for over 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Ralph and Mary are longtime members of St. Lucy Catholic Church, where Ralph served as an usher for many years. They were also active with Racine Curling Club and socializing in various card clubs. Ralph golfed in several golf leagues and deer hunted for many years…having quite the collection of trophy bucks. Above all, Ralph loved being together with his entire family.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Mary; son, Mark Ludwig; daughters, Lisa (husband, Frederick Thomas Nichols) Ambroziak and Teresa (husband, John) Stephan; grandchildren, Antony (Sarah) Ludwig; Sophia (husband, Tyson Myers) Ambroziak & Stephanie Ambroziak; Jessica (husband, Ryan) Clements and Amy (Nathan) Benz; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn & Olivia Myers; and Macie Clements; brothers, James (Darlene) Ludwig and Nick (Murial) Ludwig; sisters, Catherine Anderson and Ann Samuelson; sister-in-law, Linda Vanloon; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia; son, Gary; infant son, Lawrence Ludwig; sisters & brothers, Rosemary Ludwig, Leo (Ramona) Ludwig, Matt (Joanne) Ludwig, Helen Schiller, Raymond Ludwig, Joseph Ludwig, Barbara (John) Hollingshead; infant sister, Mary Ludwig; Mary’s parents (Ralph’s in-laws), Anthony & Mary (nee: Kudak) Lutkus; Patricia’s parents, Raymond & Rose (nee: Brinkmann) Scholler; and by brothers-in-law, Stanley (Judith) Lutkus and Clementz (Carol) Lutkus; and sister-in-law, Jeannette (Robert) Saler.

Services celebrating Ralph’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Fr. Ken Mich officiating. Military honors and a luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 – 11:00 am. Private interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In memory of Ralph, memorials to “St. Lucy Catholic Church” or to “Alzheimer's Association – Wisconsin Chapter” have been suggested.