LeRoy Ladwig

LeRoy Hilbert Ladwig, age 88, of Moorhead, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at Ecumen Bethany Community in Alexandria, MN.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, November 10th, 2017, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4000 28th St South, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church; coffee and desserts will be served following the service. Military honors are accorded by the Active Duty Air Force. A private burial service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Breckenridge with the immediate family.

On August 31, 1929, LeRoy Ladwig was born in Breckenridge MN and was baptized in the Lutheran faith. Reminiscing on his childhood during his final weeks, LeRoy fondly remembered his adolescent years spent in South Dakota working on his uncle Alvin and aunt Ardis Schramm’s farm. He spoke often of his gratitude for his grandpa Ladwig and the guidance he gave him in his early childhood. LeRoy joined the Air Force in 1950, served in the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1954. He then returned to his family home in Fergus Falls. His military service was a stepping stone to his many future endeavors including his vending machine business, as a bus driver, a supervisor of a roller skating rink, and a driver for Cass Clay Creamery; all leading to a tri-state sales position with the Nestlé Company where he was a top salesman in the chocolate division. LeRoy and Jeanette (Hahn) first met at an event held by Cass-Clay Creamery and married on March 2, 1957 in Breckenridge, MN. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Joachim (Katrina), Jeffrey (Lauri), Lydia (deceased), Jonathan (Jill), and Jacqueline, and eight grandchildren: Joachim, Henry, Bryce, Britany, Stella, Trevor, Rhiannon, and Andrew; three great grandchildren: Maddox, Vivienne, and Robin; and many dear nieces and nephews. A proud father and grandfather, LeRoy was dedicated to his children and enjoyed spending the summers fishing and camping with his family. As an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd LeRoy enjoyed volunteering as an usher on Sunday mornings and was a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 636. LeRoy appreciated being together while supporting Jeanette’s craft shows for many years. Family history was important to LeRoy who regularly shared photos, genealogy, and memories with his children and extended family. An avid gardener, LeRoy was proud of his raspberry bushes and shared his harvest with family and friends. He took great care of his yard and enjoyed clearing snow from his (and the neighbors) sidewalks. In his last days, he made certain to remind us (and all of his caregivers) to always find the laughter in every day.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette; parents, Fred and Ella (Schramm); grandparents, August and Regina (Kanzenbach); brothers, O’Dell, Clarence, Wilbert, and Eugene; and sister, Evelyn.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks for the care and support given by the staff of the Sanford South Fargo, Sanford Palliative Care, Eventide Nursing Home in Moorhead, and Ecumen Bethany Community in Alexandria. Special thanks is also extended to family and friends for their gracious support of LeRoy over the years.

The family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Children’s Ministry program at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4000 28th St South, Moorhead, MN.