Lonnie Ludwigson

Lonnie Sherman Ludwigson, age 71, went to Heaven on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire, WI after a brave battle with COVID-19 and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He could feel the surrounding love of all his family and friends as he went to be with Jesus. Lonnie was born in Wabasha, MN on August 25, 1949 to Sherman and Evangeline (Thoeny) Ludwigson. He graduated from Alma High School in 1967. On July 14, 1990, he married the love of his life, Elaine Sylvester, in Alma, WI, where they lived on the family farm and raised their eight children. Being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend were the greatest joys in Lonnie’s life. He loved spending time talking with any and everyone. Shopping trips with Lonnie were lovingly expected to be an hour longer than planned because he would always find someone to talk to at the store. His kids loved going shopping with him though because they knew there would be no shortage of buying Mountain Dew, chocolate milk, Little Debbies, and Twizzlers. Being outdoors with his loved ones was a favorite pastime, and he showed that love as a lifelong member of the Alma Rod and Gun Club. Farming, hunting with family and friends on the farm, feeding the birds, taking his grandchildren on Ranger rides, and cutting firewood filled his days and heart with joy. He passed on this love of the outdoors to his kids and always found opportunities to teach them something new, like how to track a deer even if you’re colorblind, that prickly ash can be used as aftershave in a pinch, never to trust a dry-looking cow pie, and that beauty can be found everywhere you look. This love of the outdoors took him many places, like hunting trips to Quebec, Alaska with family and friends. Lonnie and Elaine went on trips to Mexico, Loughlin, NV, and Branson, MO. He followed this passion to the end with a planned elk hunt in Idaho for 2021. While he loved every place he visited, the Western states captured his heart. After retiring from farming, Lonnie could always be found cheering on the Alma High School sports teams (even after all his children and grandchildren graduated), playing cards with his poker family, helping his nephew (Randy) farm, and searching for the latest joke to share. His quick wit, love of a good prank, bright eyes, ability to make a friend at the drop of a hat, great faith in the Lord, and unwavering love of his family will be cherished always. Lonnie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Elaine; eight children, Lori (John) Lehnartz of Alma, Les (Tena) Ludwigson of Chetek, Matthew (Sarah) Wingert of Lake City, MN, Lanny (Jamie) Ludwigson of Eleva, Lacey (Glenn) Turner of Gilmanton, Adam (Shelley) Wingert of Kellogg, MN, Janell (Alejandro) Guzman of Woodbury, MN, and Kayla (Jarod) Blades of Boise, ID; 23 grandchildren, Breana (Elijah), Bailey (Adam), Zane (Kenzie), Wyatt (Kylie), Carissa, Gavin, Ainsley, Faith, Micah, Max, Maiya, Zachary, Alyson, Madyson, Glenn Jr. “Franky,” Ava, Alexander, Eleanor, Blake, Julia, Isaac, Decker, and Marshall; 4 great-grandchildren, Alaina, Ella, Beckett, and Brextyn; sister, Sandra (Dave) Ebert; brother, Robert (Becky) Oium; aunt, Beverly Ludwigson; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Elmer (Judy) Sylvester, Jerry (Linda) Sylvester, Donald (Shirley) Sylvester, Richard (Laurie) Sylvester, Russell (Leigh) Sylvester, Lisa (Jim) Kostuck, Dorothy (LaVern) Boyd, Carol Sylvester, and Gladys Rotering; nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; Sherman and Evangeline, mother- and father-in-law, Elmer and Lois Sylvester; sister, Sharon Rotering; brothers-in-law, Ronald Sylvester, Robert Sylvester, and Robert Rotering; one niece; Deb Rotering, and many aunts and uncles. He was a hero of the family coming together and a foundation of our ongoing love for each other. He will be loved and missed forever. A visitation will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel. Burial will be at Mill Creek Cemetery. Due to Covid-19, a private family funeral service will be held. We will be asking for all in attendance to please practive proper distancing and wear a facecovering.