Harold Ludwigson

Harold Leroy Ludwigson, age 82, surrounded by his loving family, was called home to rest in the arms of Jesus, on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Knapp Haven Nursing Home in Chetek.

Harold was born June 17, 1929 in Alma, Wisconsin to Harry and Lorene (Pank) Ludwigson. After his mother’s death in 1940, his father married Valborg (Sundstrom) Hilsen, who raised the entire family as her own.

On October 13, 1951, he married his sweetheart, Janice Rosenbrook. Together, they raised seven children on their dairy farm in Bloomer. There they shared many wonderful family memories throughout the years. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 13, 2011.

Harold grew up as a farmer, with a stellar work ethic. He liked to sing and dance, and often was heard whistling or singing a favorite tune while milking his dairy herd. Harold loved children, and often he and Janice hosted their nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, for parts of the summer. He made time to go sledding in the winter with the kids, and after a long day of haying, could be seen at the ball field in the summer, following the evening chores. Harold was an avid deer hunter, and looked forward to his week of hunting each November with his dear relatives and friends. He loved to reminisce about the hunting season, and always had a good story or two to tell. Fishing was another favorite past time, and he enjoyed taking his children to the creek to teach them the art of trout fishing.

He lived his faith and was a kind, generous, compassionate man. He could often be found plowing out the neighbors' driveways in the winter. His twinkling blue eyes and wide smile showed his zest for life. He loved cradling babies and entertaining his children and grandchildren. Even as he grew on in years and his health failed, his eyes would light up like a Christmas tree when they would visit. Harold loved to celebrate and enjoyed many family gatherings. He was an active member of St Paul Lutheran church in Bloomer and served on church council for many years. He was also active in 4-H, the American Dairy Association, Bloomer Rod and Gun Club, and Farm Bureau.

Harold is survived by his loving wife: Janice of Bloomer; one son: Tim Harold (Carol) Ludwigson of Bloomer; six daughters: Crystal (Roger) Sykora, Jane (Roger) Strand (both of Park Falls), Joy (Robert) Meile of Chandler, AZ, Jill (David) Weber of Merrill, Brenda (Robert "Pete") Williams of Rice Lake, and Ginger (Dean) Diagostine of Merrill; seventeen grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. Harold is further survived by his brothers: Norbert (Kathy) Ludwigson and Pat Ludwigson both of Bloomer; sisters: Doris Hasse of Blanchardville, Ruth (Harold) Boese of Bloomer, Jeanne (Urs) Meyer, of Solothurn, Switzerland, Nancy (Dan) Goller of Cornell; sister-in-law: Eileen Ludwigson of Bloomer; his dear Uncle Jim of Eau Claire; close friend Dean (Diane) Rosenbrook of Bloomer; his dear friend: Alfred "Bud" Ziebell (Mary) of Roscoe, IL; and by many other relatives and friends, including his endeared nieces and nephews who will sorely miss their Uncle Luddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving stepmother: Valborg, his brothers: LaVerne and Harry Jr, and sister: Joan.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bloomer. Friends may call from 10:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will follow at the Bloomer City Cemetery.

Dad was confident in Jesus as his Savior, and the promise of eternal life in heaven. His favorite bible verse was the 23rd Psalm. Rest in peace, Dad. Your work on earth is complete. Thank you for all you have taught us and for sharing your life and your faith with us.