Donald Ludwick

Never afraid of getting his hands dirty, Donald Ludwick was a hard working man who found contentment surrounded by his family and enjoying the great outdoors. From his earliest beginnings, faith was at the center of his heart. A devoted husband and father, Don was a wonderful grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Don's story began during the height of the Great Depression. By 1930, the average American income decreased by 40%, and America fell even deeper into the depths of hardship as countless families continued to lose their jobs, their homes, and dreams for the future. To keep spirits high, people did what they could to be happy. They passed the time enjoying board games, and picture shows took them away from everyday worries. The son of Chelsea and Leulla (Borton) Ludwick, Donald Glenn was born on May 6, 1930 in Matherton, Michigan.

At a young age, Donald went to live with his aunts and was raised in Orangeville, Michigan. They worked as migrant farmers and moved about the area quite frequently. He attended the local schools until the ninth grade when his family moved to Bay City for a short time, and where he graduated from Bay City Central High School.

During the Korean War, Don was drafted in the Army. He was stationed in Japan for a time, and served on Korean soil, as well. Upon his honorable discharge from the service on June 18, 1953, Don was eager to return home to Michigan. Once home and settled, he ventured out to the lake several days later on June 21 to visit family and while there, his life was forever changed. On that very day, Don met the young woman who melted his heart.

Marilyn Smith was the one for Don. After merely two months of dating, they were deeply in love, and planning a bright future together. Don worked at the mill, and planning a wedding day around his work schedule was a chore, so they decided on the very next time he was off from work. It wasn't until after the invitations were readied and mailed did they realize their wedding day fell on Halloween. Regardless, they went ahead with their plans, and on October 31, 1953, Don and Marilyn were happily joined in marriage.

From their union, Don and Marilyn over time welcomed five wonderful children into their hearts with the births of Lucinda, Janet, Cleon, Kay Lynn, and Glenn. Don supported his thriving household working at the mill in the earlier years before landing a job at James River as a print pressman. For 42 years, Don worked hard to provide a good life for his family before later retiring.

Together, Don and Marilyn were very active with the Boy Scouts and played an integral role in growing Pack 3035 from 10 participating boys to nearly 100. Don was a mentor and instrumental leader to many young boys for over 20 years through his involvement with the scouts. He worked in various capacities from being a Scout Master to working on committees at the chapter level. He absolutely loved it and loved making a difference in so many lives where his faith shown bright.

As a member of Orangeville Baptist Church his entire life, Don grew to possess a very strong faith. Never boisterous or overbearing, his quiet faith was one of deed, that of caring, and sharing of his time and talents. He loved his Lord, and was a tireless, hard worker to be all God intended him to be. Don was a fine example not only to his family, but to the many lives who were touched simply by knowing him.

Don appreciated and loved the great outdoors. He truly loved camping, along with hiking, fishing, and hunting. Whether with his entire family, a few, or even by himself, Don took in all he could from all that nature and the outdoors had to offer. He also had a penchant for the Civil War era. Having been involved with reenactments, Don had a keen interest in, and came to have vast knowledge in, black powder guns and muzzle loaders. He also loved John Deere tractors. When his family settled into the big old farmhouse that became their family homestead, Don's tractors really came in handy.

It was no less a trying time for Don when his beloved Marilyn sadly died on October 31, 2006, 53 years to the very day they said, "I do". With the love and support of family, Don made it through. His daughter, Kay Lynn, along with his sons, Glenn and Cleon stayed at the farmhouse with him and continued to help maintain the house and care for Don.

Don was always a strong man, but his own health began to fail in 1996. He underwent open heart surgery, and had two pacemakers put in place. Over the last several years he continued to have other health issues, too. At the age of 82, Donald Ludwick died after a brief illness at Borgess Medical Center on Tuesday, February 5, 2013.

Don was a hard worker, but foremost he was a man of faith who was devoted to the family he loved so deeply. He liked to tell a good joke now and then, but truth be told, not all of them were very funny! He will be remembered for his unending faith, hard work ethic, and being the loving man that he was to those who treasured him

He is survived by his children: Lucinda (Donald) Frazee, Janet Lesley, Cleon Ludwick, Kay Lynn Ludwick, and Glenn Ludwick; his grandchildren: Adam Lesley, Leon Hatton, Erin and Sonja Ludwick, Jennifer and Catherine Frazee; great-grandchildren: Aleasha, Marissa and Tabitha; many other relatives and friends. There will not be any formal services. Please visit Donald’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book or make a memorial donation to the American Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, or to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881).