Lloyd B. Ludwig (85) of Effingham

Lloyd B. Ludwig, 85, of Effingham, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery, Effingham. Visitation will be held for family and friends on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Anthony Educational Trust. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Lloyd was born on March 29, 1936, in Sigel, IL to Leo and Josephine (Hartke) Ludwig, the second of seven children. On June 28, 1958, Lloyd married Mary S. (Barnett) Ludwig in Effingham. They were married for 63 years and were blessed with five children: Cathy, Sue, Lori, Julie, and Lynn. Their daughters often say the two of them together were one of the best examples of true love.

Lloyd was a resident of Effingham and loved this community. He belonged to St. Anthony of Padua parish, receiving all his sacraments there. He was elected to the first STA Church and School Board in 1968, chaired the annual STA picnic, and enjoyed sitting in the bleachers at both Goff Gym and the Enlow Center, most recently watching his grandchildren. Lloyd was a graduate of St. Anthony Grade and High School, finishing in 1953. He was a standout basketball player as a Bulldog, and continued as a scholarship athlete, playing both basketball and tennis at Eastern Illinois University. He graduated with a degree in Education in 1957. Lloyd was later inducted into the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985. After graduating from college, Lloyd moved to Kankakee, IL, where he taught fifth grade. In 1962, he earned his Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois and became an elementary school principal in Kankakee. After five years in education, Lloyd had the opportunity to move back home to Effingham and buy the family business. He owned and operated Ludwig Lumber Co. with his brother, Bob, for 35 years, until his retirement.

Lloyd was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, the Illinois Lumberman’s Association, the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association, the Effingham Country Club, St Anthony Booster Club, and Royal Wood Golf and Country Club in Naples, FL. Lloyd had a great life; he valued God, loved his wife and daughters to the fullest, cherished his extended family and friends, and worked hard to get ahead. After retirement, he enjoyed living at Lake Sara and all the fun times his family shared on the boat and dock. Lloyd and Mary spent the last 25 years wintering in Naples, FL, at what they called their “paradise”. They met lifelong friends at Royal Wood, which became their home away from home. Lloyd’s wife affirms, “we sure did have a lot of fun along the way”.

Lloyd was mindful, had a warm-hearted nature, and handled life's challenges with grace. He will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank all those who showed kindness to Lloyd during his lifetime. 

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Mary Ludwig of Effingham; his daughters, Cathy Lucks of Columbus, OH; Sue (Scott) Kabbes of Effingham; Lori (Ed) Grunloh of Effingham; Julie (Jeff) Richards of Effingham; Lynn (Dustin) Lindley of Milford, OH; his eleven grandchildren, James (Whitney) Lucks, Elizabeth Lucks; Krista (Jake) Kabbes Niebrugge, Kari (Ray) Kabbes Zumbahlen; Andrew (Rachel) Grunloh, Patrick Grunloh; Kate, Emma, and Meg Richards; and Will and Nora Lindley; eight great grandchildren, Brooks, George, Lila, Jack, Mia, Elliott, Harrison, and Theo; his siblings, Ken (Jeanne) Ludwig of Naples, FL; Ruth Roach of Sherman, IL; Norma (Ed) Grunloh of Waukesha, WI; Jerry (Diana) Ludwig of Effingham, IL; and Leo (Jennifer) Ludwig of Naples, FL; and sisters-in-law, Judy Ludwig of Scottsdale, AZ and Barbara Sentelle of St. Petersburg, FL.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Josephine Ludwig; brother Bob Ludwig; brother-in-law, Ron Roach; and mother and father-in-law, Jay and Margaret Barnett.