In Memory of Noel Ludwig

Noel Ludwig, age 87, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at his residence of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 7, 2022, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa, with military rites conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the Battle Creek American Legion.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Noel Ludwig was born June 29, 1934, an unseasonably hot day, in his family home in rural Battle Creek, Iowa. Noel attended school and graduated in Battle Creek making many lifelong friendships along the way. Noel was a lifelong farmer. He was born on his farm, was a farm kid, was a farmer himself, and he passed away on his farm. He was very proud to live on his family’s land his entire life, the only extended time away was for his military service.

After Noel retired from active farming, he began his service to ISI in Battle Creek. He enjoyed his time with the people there and made many friends; people he spoke very highly of right to the very end.

On November 20, 1955, Noel married Guyneith Smith and they remained married until her death. They raised their three children (Josephine Palmer, Rodney Ludwig, and Sharlene Osborn) on the farm along with special friend Robert Van Houten. There was always room for a neighbor kid to stop by and pitch in as well, all were welcome.

Noel was an avid bird watcher, he overfed and doted on many birds out his back door. He was also a carpenter; he built many useful items as well as hundreds of toys and games which have delighted his kids and grandkids for many years.

Noel was preceded in death by his wife Guyneith Ludwig; his parents Berthold and Josephine Ludwig; brother Lawrence Ludwig; sisters Frances Ludwig and Cora Ludwig.

He is survived by his children Josephine Palmer, Rodney Ludwig, and Sharlene Osborn all of Battle Creek, IA; grandchildren Brian Ludwig, Noelle (Jamey) Ballard, Casey Ludwig (fiancé Caleb Benna), Dillon (Seanicee) Osborn, and Jillian Ludwig (fiancé Kyle Groves); great-grandchildren Lily Ballard, Camryn Ludwig, Beau Ballard, Bentley Childers, Arylla Osborn, and Daxton Groves.

Making friends was a common theme in Noel’s life, he was always equally quick with a joke or a helping hand, this part of his character endeared him to most everyone around him. There are many people who the mention of him brings a smile to their face. He entertained so many people who crossed his path over the years with a good story or a quick one liner which would brighten the rest of their day. To know him was to love him. He was a treasure; he will be sorely missed.