Charles Miller Ludwigsen

Charles Miller Ludwigsen passed away peacefully with family by his side in Eau Claire, WI on October 12, 2022. Born in Lombard, Illinois on April 17, 1937, Chuck had deep roots in both Wisconsin and Houston, Texas.

Chuck's deeply held values included loyalty to family, duty, hard work . . . and hunting and fishing. He met his one true love, Jean Ende Ludwigsen, at Wauwatosa High School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin during sophomore typing class. They both attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison where Chuck graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, Chuck and Jean married and Chuck entered the U.S. Navy via the ROTC program where he served three years.

Chuck and Jean were married for 63 years.

While still in college Chuck identified the company he would work for his entire career. After leaving the Navy, he began a successful 40-year career with Ingersoll Dresser Rand.

Though he traveled through much of the world for work and pleasure, Bayfield, Wisconsin remained Chuck's favorite place. As a child, he spent summers with his grandparents in Bayfield, where his paternal grandfather immigrated from Norway as a commercial fisherman. After retiring, Chuck and Jean moved part-time to Bayfield, where he spent many days fishing throughout the Apostle Islands and visiting with family and friends.

Chuck was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and his family history in Bayfield. He served on the board of directors of Friends of the Apostle Islands and the Bayfield Maritime Museum and was a member of the Auxiliary Coast Guard.

Charles is survived by his wife, Jean Ende Ludwigsen, daughters Lisa Ludwigsen and Kristi Moll (Guillermo), grandchildren Max Moll (Carson), Cooper Reynolds (Anna), Jacob Ludwigsen, Jack Reynolds (Holly), Seth Ludwigsen, and Sophie Stites (Trey), and great-grandchildren, Atticus Moll and Quincy Moll. He was preceded in death by his son, Erik Ludwigsen, his brother, Bud Ludwigsen, and parents Lester Ludwigsen and Evelyn Ludwigsen (Miller) of Bayfield, WI.

A celebration of life service will be held in Houston on Tuesday, November 15, 11am, at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. A second celebration will be held in Bayfield in the summer of 2023. Memorials preferred to: Bayfield Maritime Museum, Charles Ludwigsen Fund, P.O. Box 1271, Bayfield, WI 54814, or Friends of the Apostle Islands, Charles Ludwigsen Fund, P.O. Box 1574 Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814. friendsoftheapostleislands.org.