Edward Junior Ludwick

Edward J. Ludwick was a man of honor who served God, community, and country. He was devoted to his family, counting himself rich in the love of his wife, children and grandchildren. Edward lived his life in gratitude for what he had been given.

Edward was born at a time when America was recovering from the first World War and enjoying industrial prosperity. Families like the Ludwicks and Van Driels were putting down roots in Grand Rapids, and the marriage of Edward Ludwick and Kate Van Driel established another generation of "Westsiders." Edward and Kate prepared for a family through his work as a produce dealer and her commitment to always be at home for the children. They were living at 1107 Widdicomb when they welcomed their only son, Edward Junior, into their hearts and lives. Along with his two sisters, Eleanor and Judith, Edward grew up going to Broadway Christian Reformed Church where the family were members. As a child, Ed suffered from facial paralysis for a period of six months. Thankfully, the ailment was not permanent, and Ed lived out the joys of childhood that included lots of sports. One highlight was the day he saw Babe Ruth while out with his Grandpa Van Driel at Ramona Park in East Grand Rapids. Growing up, Ed spent a great deal of time with the Van Driels. The two families often took trips together, and gatherings at Carp Lake were especially memorable.

Ed attended Widdicomb Elementary School and enjoyed the convenience of playing Saturday football on school grounds and using the playground as if it was his own back yard. Ed kept up his enthusiasm for sports during his years at Harrison Junior High and then Union High School, where he played on the basketball team.

Soon after graduation, Ed was introduced to a young woman by the name of Marie Teitsma. Her father owned a gas station where her brother Pete worked. It was at the family business that Pete first introduced Ed to his sister Marie. She was working for a Dr. Campbell at the time, but in the midst of their busy lives, Ed and Marie began dating. Their love and commitment grew over the next four years, and they married at the peak of World War II. On October 25, 1944 at the United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ed and Marie made their vows. They honeymooned in Las Vegas and California before making their home in Grand Rapids at 1122 Tamarack NW. Ed and Marie started their family in 1947 when Edward Jay was born. They were blessed by three more children; Tom was born in 1949, Kathy in 1953 and Doug in 1954. The values of faith and family were reinforced by the church where they were longtime members. Westview Christian Reformed Church was not only a place of worship, it was also community where Ed served as a deacon to address the physical and spiritual needs of people.

During his working life, Ed made a career with General Motors. He was fortunate to be able to return to GM after his time in the military. He joined the United States Coast Guard for four years, spending 2 1/2 years in the South Pacific serving on LST 70. After many more years with GM, Ed went on to establish a successful family business. He founded Ludwick's Frozen Donuts that remains in the family to this day.

The importance of family only increased when Ed became a grandfather. Even though he enjoyed fishing and playing golf, Ed found no greater pleasure than time spent with his children and grandchildren. They are his legacy of love and faithfulness.

Mr. Edward Junior Ludwick, age 85, passed away Thursday, January 2007 in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Verhey. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Marie Teitsma Ludwick; children, Ed Ludwick III of Boynton Beach, Fla., and their children Karen and Chris), Tom and Betsy Ludwick of Grand Rapids and their children Jeff and Julie Trumpie (great-grand daughter Ashley), T.J. Ludwick (great-grandchildren Tommy and Abby), Jill and Chris Petter (great-grandson Solomon) and Jonathon Ludwick; Kathy and Jim Ten Harmsel of Zeeland, Doug and Sylvia Ludwick of West Palm Beach, Fla., and their children Darren, Janae and Amanda. Also surviving are his sister Judy and Harold Ilbrink, brothers-in-law Harry Verhey and Peter Teitsma, sisters-in-law Betty Teitsma Bultman and Wendy Frens Teitsma, uncle and aunt Duke and Janet Folkertsma and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11AM Wednesday January 17, 2007 at the Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes- Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW with Pastor Roger Groenboom officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9PM and for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Rest Home, 1000 Edison NW, 49504.