Mass of Christian Burial for Donald J. Ludwig, 98, of Estherville, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville with Father Brian Feller, celebrant. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville, with military rites by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91, both of Estherville. Donald passed away at the Emmetsburg Care Center on Feb. 25, 2026.
Visitation was held Wednesday at the Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville.
Donald J Ludwig, the youngest of 11 children of Martin and Catherine (Neppl) Ludwig, was born on February 6, 1928, in Carroll, Iowa.
Don graduated from Milford High School and then went to Barber College. Don was enlisted in the United States Army and service from 1948 until his discharge in 1950. On March 3, 1956, he was united in marriage to Betty McHugh at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milford. The couple made their home in Estherville, where Don worked at Central Barber Shop for many years, retiring in 1990.
Don was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight. Don was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion Post in Estherville. He enjoyed fishing and carpentry, but his favorite past time was spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild.
Don is survived by his daughters Karen (Wayne) Wuebker of Ayshire and Julie (John) Aldrich of Cadiz, Kentucky; grandchildren Jackie (Kiel) Ronning, Tony (Abby) Wuebker, Ryan (Becky) Wuebker, Andy (Michelle) Wuebker, Nick (Kennedy) Wuebker, Shana (Stephen) Spinnato, Rachel (Jake) Hamilton, and Nicole Hamilton; great-grandchildren Clair, Jacob, and Chloe Ronning, Cooper and Cade Peterhans, Emma and Olivia Wuebker, Peyton, Avery, and Brody Wuebker, Drake, Maggie and Eleanor Wuebker, Mack and Elliott Wuebker, Jarrett, Ryan, Elijah, and Caleb Spinnato; and one great-great grandchild Kinley Spinnato.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Catherine, wife Betty, daughter Kay, and siblings Hilda, Leone, Isabelle, Mildred, Alvin, Larrie, Rita, Viola, Mardelle, and Virgil.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
