James Ladwig, of Pelican Lake, died Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Friendly Village Nursing Home in Rhinelander. He was 83 years old. He was born on July 2, 1928 in Antigo, a son of William and Theresa (Schroepfer) Ladwig. He married Mary "Mitzi" Rath on May 13, 1961 at St. John Catholic Church in Pelican Lake. She survives.
He was a lifelong resident of Antigo and Pelican Lake and graduated from Antigo High School. Mr. Ladwig worked as brakeman, switchman and conductor on the Ashland Division of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway for 35 years, retiring in 1985.
He enjoyed fishing, especially for muskie and perch on Pelican Lake, gardening and looking out at Antigo Island and Pelican Lake from the comfort of his chair in the home he and the late Erv Rupple built in 1953.
He dabbled in writing and had numerous short stories about fishing, hunting, canine companions, local characters and railroading published in area newspapers. Many of the newspaper articles were compiled into a book of short stories titled, "A Railroader Reminiscences". He also enjoyed telling good or bad jokes and repeating them often. He will be remembered for sending visitors on their way with a cheerful "pip pip cheerio!"
Survivors including his wife are a daughter Carole Artus, Pelican Lake and significant other Justin Nueske; two sons Kevin Ladwig and significant other Pam Ciavarella, Plymouth, Minn, Tom (Shelly) Ladwig, Motley, Minn; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister Marie (Jerry) Stern, Antigo; a brother Richard (Joan) Ladwig, Green Bay.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Wilhelmina "Winnie" Jones, two brothers, John "Jack" and Junior Ladwig, a brother-in-law, Jim Jones.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Pelican Lake with Fr. Tom Thakadipuram officiating. Burial will take place in Enterprise Cemetery.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church.
Bradley Funeral Home in Antigo is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Pelican Lake, Wisconsin 54463
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Pelican Lake, Wisconsin 54463
Mary, Kevin, Carole and Tommy. I noted Jim's passing and it brought sadness but also great joy to have known him in my youth, growing up a stone throws away. Please accept my sincerest condolences and hopes that you all remember his life was well lived.
Mary,Carole,Kevin,Tommy. Sorry to hear of Jims passing.We will all remember him as a good sport and fun to be around. He will be missed by all.
So sorry to read about the loss of your father. You are in my prayers. I hope you will always hold him in your heart, and that little things will remind you of him.
So very sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. My family had many fun memories at Pelican Lake. Uncle Jim was a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family.
Mary and family,
I have been gone from Elcho School since 1984. I still remember the service you and Jim gave to the school and the community. Thank you. You have my sincere sympathy on the loss of you husband.
God Bless,
Sandy Carey
Lansing, MI
Carol, Mary and family: So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We haven't been around much and feel terrible for your loss. The only comfort one can take is the knowledge that he is with the Lord and in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this trying time.
Dear Mary and family, So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I will always remember Uncle Jim as so cheerful and smiling. I remember my dad and Jim going out muskie fishing and all the stories they told about it! Jim would always refer to a scotch and a beer as a gentleman's drink so I will raise a glass for our Gentleman Jim. Loving thoughts from Dave
Mrs. Ladwig (you will always be that to me), Kevin, Carole, Tommy and families: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband/father/grandfather. I remember him always being so cheerful and smiling. He would love to always tell us a joke, good or bad, or part with a little of his wisdom whenever he saw us. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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