John Otto Ludwig, the son of Clem and Genevieve (Beckius) Ludwig, was born on January 8, 1940, in Ottosen, Iowa. He was raised and educated in the area of his birth, graduating from West Bend High School in 1958. John farmed with his father until the untimely death of his parents and two brothers in a car accident in 1972 and he took over the family farm and raised hogs for many years.
John married Arlene Ommundson in 1975. She preceded him in death.
On July 13, 2003, John married Vivian (Schoenfisch) at Johns home in Ottosen, their Catholic vows on November 17, 2004, at St. Peters Catholic Church in West Bend. The couple made their home in Ottosen, Fort Dodge and Humboldt.
John enjoyed many things – including Vivians’s cooking and baking, Knights of Columbus fish fry’s at the West Bend Country Club, playing cards and fishing. He loved his travels to Arizona with Vivian, being a farmer and time with family.
John passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Fort Dodge Health and Rehab at the age of 85 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leon and Glen Ludwig and brother-in-law, Loren Seely.
Survivors include his wife, Vivian Ludwig of Humboldt; sister, Ann Seely of Sulphur Springs, TX; nieces, Joy Brott (Merv) of Conroe, TX and Jennifer Northcutt (Keith) of Clarksville, TX; stepchildren: Laura McDowell (Mike) of Pleasant Hill, CA, Joe Hrusksa (Amanda) of Manitowoc, WI, Melissa McMurtrey (Greg) of St. Louis, MO, Jeff Hruska (Dulce) of Aberdeen, SD and Lashelle Goode (Glenn) of Ames; nine grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with visitation from 9:30 until service time at the church. Burial in North Lawn Cemetery, Fort Dodge.
Memorials may be left to the St. Mary’s School Scholarship program. www.masonlindhart.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
612 Second Avenue South, Humboldt, IA 50548
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more