John E. Ludy

John E. Ludy, 94, of Cumberland, WI passed away October 10, 2022 at the Cumberland Hospital.

John was born to Swiss immigrants Fred and Rosa Ludy in rural Turtle Lake in 1928, the youngest son of three children.

As a young man he helped his father at the family cheese factory, along with his two brothers William "Bill" and Kenneth. John eventually became owner/operator of Twin Town Cheese Factory in rural Almena, WI for more than 30 years, overseeing much growth and expansion. He was a respected mentor to many who went on to successful careers in the industry. He married the love of his life, Lucille Jansen of rural Turtle Lake on Oct. 8th, 1948. Together they raised four children; Connie, Susan, Tom, and Steve, in their home adjacent to the factory.

John had a lifelong drive for knowledge and a love of travel. He worked for years as a trusted resource and consultant to cheesemakers worldwide, guiding successful projects in Poland, Lithuania, Brazil, and Argentina. He and Lucille enjoyed many trips together and held a special love for Hawaii. At home he was a 35 year member and past president of the Cumberland Memorial Hospital Board and an active leader in his community. He loved spending time with his friends and extended family, enjoying many card games, conversations, and boat rides at their retirement home on Beaver Dam Lake in Cumberland.

John is survived by his four children, Connie (Greg) Roemhild of Almena, Susan (Chuck) Futterer of Grand Marais, MN, Tom (Lauren) Ludy of Turtle Lake, and Steve (Eileen Hager) Ludy of Wausau; nine grandchildren, Adrianne (Mike) McDonough, Gretchen (Mike) Olson, Logan (Jennie Urick) Futterer, Devan (Laine) Futterer, Kelly Ludy, Ryan (Beth) Ludy, Eric (Caroline) Ludy, Ben (Heather) Ludy, and Nick (Bri) Ludy; brother-in-law, Richard (Carol) Jansen; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Gores; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Lucille; parents, Fred and Rosa; brothers, William (Wilma) and Kenneth (Florence); brothers-in-law, Marvin (Alice) Jansen and William (Lila) Jansen; sister-in-law Margie (Fred) Graber.

Funeral Service 11 AM on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena. Visitation one hour prior at church, and 4:30 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland.

Pallbearers are Allen Sinclair, Tom Ingham, Joe Vinopal, Don Peltier, Larry Peaster and Robert Hanson.

Interment Lakeside Cemetery, Cumberland.

Memorials preferred to Barron County Historical Society/Pioneer Village.