Matthew P. Ludwig

BRIGHTON - Matthew P. Ludwig, 78, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at his barn home. He was born on February 24, 1933, at Oakview Farm, the family farm, where he lived his entire life. He spent the last several years creating a home out of his century-old barn. Matt attended grade school at the Fox one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Wilmot High School in 1951. Matt and his brothers continued to run the family farm when his father passed away in 1952. Later, Matt graduated from the Farming Short Course at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and took over sole operation of the farm. Matt met JoAnn Plotz dancing at Farrow's in Milwaukee and the two married on September 28, 1963. Together, they ran Oakview Farm and raised five children. Matt was a lifelong member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church; a member of the Kenosha County Farmers Coop for 32 years, serving on its Board of Directors for 22 years; a Farm Bureau Director for 15 years; and a member of the AMPI Milk Co-op for 27 years. Matt enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling, and playing cards. He was a proud season ticket-holder and partial-owner of the Green Bay Packers. Matt is survived by his five children, Kris Ann (Tim) Gray of Denver, Colo., Albert (Margo) Ludwig of St. Louis, Mo., Susan Ludwig of Milwaukee, Catherine (Jonathan) Wood of West Allis, and Gerri (John) Seybert of Brighton; nine grandchildren, Matthew, Benjamin, Stephen, and Dorothy Ludwig, Jacob Ludwig, Seth and Adam Seybert, Joseph Gray, Addison Wood; and two step- grandchildren, Cambrea and Cayden Wood. Matthew is further survived by his friend and companion, Laurie Mich; as well as eight siblings, Ralph (Mary) Ludwig, Helen Schiller, Cathy Anderson, James (Darlene) Ludwig, Nick (Mariel) Ludwig, Ray Ludwig, Ann (Don) Samuelson, and Joe Ludwig; a sister-in-law, Ramona (Leo) Ludwig; and a brother-in-law, John (Mary) Hollingshead. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn; parents, Albert and Pauline; granddaughter, Natalie Wood; and siblings, Rosemary Ludwig, Leo Ludwig, Barb Hollingshead, and Mary Patricia Ludwig. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 27, 2011, at 11 a.m. with a burial to follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Rev. Russell Arnett officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2011, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Polnasek- Daniels Funeral Home, 908 - 11th Avenue, Union Grove, Wis. 53182. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or Providence Catholic School. POLNASEK-DANIELS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 908 - 11th Avenue Union Grove 878-2011 www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com