John R. Ludwig, age 94, of Deer River, MN died Thursday, October 24, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

John was born at the family home in 1930 in Chippewa, PA, just outside of Beaver Falls. He graduated from high school in Beaver Falls and enlisted in the United States Navy. After his discharge, he returned to Pennsylvania. He was united in marriage to Nancy Louise Kaercher and together they raised their children, Kathy, David, and Dan.

John earned his bachelor's degree from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA and his doctorate from NDSU in Fargo, ND. The family moved to Irwin, PA when John started working for US Steel. John was transferred to Coleraine, MN in October 1974. In 1982, John retired from US Steel and began teaching and set up labs for inorganic chemistry at UMD and later returned to Coleraine's Research Facility where he retired. After Nancy's passing in March 1993, John met Carolyn (Ryden) Carlson, and they were later married on December 30, 1993.

John will be lovingly remembered for his innovated spirit. He saw nothing as broken and would work to fix anything he set his mind to. His sense of humor, though often dry, made everyone laugh. He loved the outdoors, including fishing and hunting with David, Dan, Brian, and Chuck. He also loved travelling, especially to Arizona and Florida, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; son, David; son-in-law, Chuck Shrader; and sister, Jean Jewell.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Kathy Shrader of Amherst, VA, Dan (Kristy) Ludwig of Waterford, PA; stepchildren, Kathryn (Troy) Hoffman of Minnetonka, MN, Brian (Brenda) Carlson of Barnesville, MN; sister, Ruth (Jim) Crawford; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.