Nick James Ludwick

Nick Ludwick of Alma, passed away at home peacefully, surrounded by family on January 31, 2018, after a long, valiant battle with melanoma.  He remained incredibly positive and optimistic, like the warrior he was.  He was 63 years old.  Nick was born in Ionia, MI on June 14, 1954, to David and Velma (Coulson) Ludwick.

He was a graduate of Ionia High School and Michigan State University.  He excelled in baseball, football, and basketball.

Nick worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections for 35 years, retiring as a warden from the Saint Louis Correctional Facility.  He then became the warden of Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Iowa, where he continued to make a positive impact on staff and offenders for an additional seven years. He took immense pride in his work and the connections he made throughout his 42 year career.

Nick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.  He was an avid golfer, but enjoyed all sports, especially his beloved Spartans.  He loved the outdoors and his Basset Hound, Grace.  He was a spontaneous traveler who would take a road trip at the drop of a hat, as long as there was a six pack, good conversation and good music involved.  He had a phenomenal sense of humor and was an excellent story teller (most of which were even true).  Nick was proud of his Irish heritage and fiercely loyal to those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Larriann Ludwick, children, Eric Ludwick, Chelsea (Matt) Mates, and Caden Kipp, granddaughter Regan Ludwick, and siblings, Sue Ludwick, Gale (Gregg) Yeomans, Tony (Esper) Ludwick, Beth Krausz, Tim Ludwick, and Patrick (Becky) Ludwick, former wife Pete Pline, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Nick will be honored at a Celebration of Life on Friday, February 16, 2018, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Steele Street Hall, 115 S. Steele Street, Ionia, MI. The eulogy and other fond memories will be shared at 4:30 pm.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com/. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/ or https://www.mayoclinic.org/.

“The only limits in life are those we create and allow to persist.  Finishing my glass of Jameson and cashin’ in.” –Nick Ludwick

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