Service Details
Services celebrating Bill ‘s life will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 6:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating. Private interment will take place. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alcoholics Anonymous have been suggested.
Racine – William Otto Ludwig, age 78, passed away peacefully early Saturday, October 9, 2021, following a lifelong, inspirational struggle with Cerebral Palsy.
Bill was born in Fond du Lac, WI on November 29, 1942 to the late LeVerne and Lelah (nee: Mechlenberg) Ludwig. The Ludwig family moved to Racine in 1954. Always striving to live a normal life like others, Bill had a drive and zest for life. Nothing would ever keep him down. Many Racine residents would remember Bill from riding his 3-wheel bicycle, adorned with a bright orange pennant flag for safety, all around Southeastern Wisconsin during all 4 seasons of the year. By age 60, Bill was on his 5th tricycle which had over 30,000 miles on it.
Bill had been employed by Clayton House Hotel / Golden Lantern and McDonald’s (Lathrop Avenue) for many years. He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, having been sober since April 11, 1985. From that point on, Pepsi Cola became Bill’s beverage of choice. With profound faith, Bill was an involved member of First Baptist Church, under the leadership of his devoted friend, Rev. Holly Anderle.
Surviving are his brother, Jon “Jack” (Trudy Biro) Ludwig; nephews, Steven (Pamela) Ludwig, Jeffery (Mary Avila) Ludwig and Scott (Angela) Ludwig; great-nieces, Madeline, Sophia & Eleanor; other relatives, church family and many friends – too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to his parents, Bill was welcomed into Heaven by his grandparents, Otto & Ella Mechlenberg.
Services celebrating Bill ‘s life will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 6:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating. Private interment will take place. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alcoholics Anonymous have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the incredible staff of Ridgewood Care Center for over 15 years of compassionate care & support given in Bill’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Kelli P says
Loved his sense of humor! He will be missed at church
Tania (DART) says
Special prayers to the Ludwig Family. It was pleasure serving Mr. Bill Ludwig from Ridgewood to his Denominational Church Fellowship on Lathrop Avenue. I will cherish our great talks and his beautiful encouragement relating to Life Woe’s and Foe’s. May God’s Abundant Grace and Mercy continue to shelter us all. A beautiful spirit will be missed but never forgotten. The Church of Christ salute you with a Holy Kiss. God Bless
Stacey Moore ( Bobbie's daughter )& Family says
It saddened us to hear of Bill”s passing . I met Bill when I was a little girl my mom Bobbie ( as Bill affectionately called her ) worked together at McDonald’s during the 70’s. Many days Bill would ride his tricycle to our home where we all shared dinner, laughter & good times. Bill had a great sense of humor . Many years had passed and we often wondered were he was, one day I was at Ridgewood and I spotted him we talked I was unsure if he remembered who I was but when he said Bobbie is your mom I knew he remembered. May you rest in peace Bill you will forever be remembered by me & my family.
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Leif & Candy Peterson says
I remember seeing Bill bicycling all over the city for many many years. Was happy to see he moved to Ridgewood where he was greatly cared about and for. Mike, thank you for being a wonderful guardian for him. Angel’s all of you!!!
Bill & Mary Lou Killberg says
So sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane Cefalu says
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your brother. May your memories sustain you. Sincerely, Jane Cefalu
Wynn (Jarvinen) Brown says
I just read of Bill’s passing and I’m so sorry! Bill was my parent’s friend and I knew him my whole life! I remember them playing cribbage often! He was a great friend to them! It was so nice seeing Bill at Ridgewood when my dad was there. They are are all reunited now and enjoying a good cribbage game in heaven! Sending condolences to his brother and family!
Bud & Sandy Missureli says
Bill was a long time friend from the old Golden Lantern.
“Rest in Peace” old buddy!
Bud & Sandy Missureli says
Bill was a long time friend from the Golden Lantern.
“Rest in Peace” old buddy
Dianna Stuebe Wolfe says
Bill was a friend of my parents and I first met him when I was a teenager. I’m so saddened to hear of his passing. I saw him riding his bike many times since we lived so close to McDonald’s. I remember he didn’t like it when cars honked so I always shouted “Hello Bill!”. As a teen, I learned a valuable life lesson from his perseverance, determination, and great sense of humor through whatever life threw at him. I’m thankful to have know him, however distant and brief, and will never forget him. My sympathies to his family and many, many friends.