Wayne E. Ludwig

Wayne Edward Ludwig, 73, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully Jan. 12, surrounded by family at his home. Wayne was born June 16, 1945, to Fredrick and Teresa Ludwig, he was the youngest of three children. He graduated from Waite High School in 1963.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley Jean (Leary) Ludwig; their two children, Kelly (Jeff) Titsworth of Oregon, Ohio and Kirk (Wendy) Ludwig of Sylvania, Ohio. He is survived by his brother Fredrick (Janet) Ludwig, of South Carolina, and sister Adelaide Curry of Toledo, Ohio; and grandchildren, Connor Titsworth, Trevor Titsworth, Paige Titsworth, Jack Ludwig, Lydia Ludwig, and Tucker Ludwig.

Wayne served in the U.S. Army and in 1965, he married his beautiful bride and best friend. They raised their children in a house filled with lots of love and laughter. Wayne was a skilled lineman for Toledo Edison for more than 30 years. Never staying retired for long, he put his experience to use at Romanoff Electric and US Utilities. He loved his work and made many great friendships which he treasured his entire life.

Wayne was a genuine "people person." He had the gift to make you smile and laugh. He was a good storyteller and had a clever use of words. Children and elderly alike were drawn to his kind spirit.

Wayne was a fighter. Not just for his beliefs, but battling a variety of health issues for many years. Wayne's greatest victory was surviving a major heart surgery in 2011. Following his recovery, Wayne and Shirley purchased their family cottage. It became the desired destination for the family. Wayne always found peace on the water. He was in his true glory cruising around the lake and ending the day around a fire sharing funny stories and holding hands with his bride.

Wayne treasured his time with his children and grandchildren and was amazingly proud of all of them. He cherished each lesson he was able to share, events he attended, and hugs he so generously gave. When not at the cottage, he'd likely be standing at the glass at a hockey game.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 3-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home - Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. Wayne's life will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 2315 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43620 with Sr. Pastor Larry Vriezelaar officiating.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Wayne's memory, please consider the Toledo Humane Society or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.