Gerald L. Ludwig Gerald "Jerry" Leonard Ludwig, 75, of Elkhart, Indiana died Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Jerry died after a brave 3 1/2 year struggle with lung cancer,he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and wife. He was born October 25, 1937 in Isabella County, Mt Pleasant, MI. the son of the late Leonard Frank Ludwig and Lenora T. (Smith) Ludwig. He loved old tractors and going to tractor shows. He was a big fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Notre Dame /football and Girl's basketball. He was very proud of his family and dearly loved his grandchildren. Jerry graduated from Defiance High School class of 1956 and Defiance College and Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN. He worked for Johns-Manville in Defiance, OH and later in Elkhart, IN where he worked as an Employee Relations Manager where he retired in 1994 after 38 years. After retiring he worked for Paradigm Corporation as a Management Consultant for several years. He was a member and Past President of the Defiance Eagles, member of the Defiance Elks, Past President of Greater Elkhart Personnel Association and a member of the Michiana Music For Life Association. Jerry married Jean Westrick June 14, 1958 in St. John's Catholic Church, Defiance, OH. He will be greatly missed by his wife Jean and daughters; Janis (Greg) Cannon of Defiance, Julie Ludwig,Jennifer (Scott) Wagoner of Lansing, MI and son; Steven Ludwig of Elkhart, seven grandchildren; Brian Holt, Kim Cannon, Katie Cannon, Brittany Ludwig, Aimee Ludwig, Stefani Ludwig, Jacob Wagoner and two great grandchildren; Jordan Egler and Madison Egler. sisters; Patricia (Robert) Vetter of Defiance, Carol (Jack) DeLano of Defiance, Sharon (Roger) Kroeckel of Defiance and Kenneth (Kathy) Ludwig of Defiance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 23 at St. John Catholic Church, 510 Jackson Ave. Defiance, OH with Father Todd Dominique officiating. Visitation is Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 at the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH with an Eagles Ritual Team Service at 7:30 p.m. and a vigil service at 8:00 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Riverview Memory Gardens. Suggested memorials are to the American Cancer Society or the organization of the donor's choice. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.defiancefuneralhome.com.

Visitation

FEB 22. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Visitation

FEB 22. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EST)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Service

FEB 23. 10:00 AM (EST)

St. John Catholic 510 Jackson Ave. Defiance, OH, 43512