Robert “Bob” Eugene Ludwig, 62, passed away on June 26, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida.
Bob was born in Lima, Ohio on June 6, 1962, to Arnold Ludwig and Sandra Ludwig (Gang), who preceded him in death.
Bob is survived by his sister, Julie (Jon) Acheson, his nephews, Jeffrey (Tammy), Austin (Caitlin), and his niece Renee (Matt), by his aunts and uncles, Karen (Mel) Kohrn, Silvia “Sam” Ludwig, Nelda Sue Ludwig, Wanda Webb and Lloyd “Bob” McVey, and many great nephews, great nieces and cousins whom he loved dearly. A self-admitted “cat guy”, Bob is also survived by Sammy Jo, who belonged to his mother before her passing.
At a young age, Bob inherited the nickname “AJ” while working alongside his father. “AJ” stood for Arnie Junior. Bob not only inhertited his father’s name as a nickname, but also took his ethic for hard work, his love for the Cleveland Browns, and subsequently his lifelong belief that “next year is the year”.
Bob was also an avid golfer. Taking his first swing at the age of six years old, Bob eventually went on to win local tournaments as a teenager and worked at the Hawthorn Golf Course. In later years, his chief golf competitor was his brother-in-law. The final win-loss record is a point of family contention that will happily be debated for years to come.
Bob was a NASCAR fan, Tony Stewart being his favorite driver, and attended many Charlotte races with his family.
Bob worked in many different factories during his life in Ohio and North Carolina. He had a reputation for being a hardworking, dependable, and a team player.
In his final years, Bob relocated to Florida and his health prevented him from golfing. He spent the warmer months watching professional golf, and the colder months virtually coaching his beloved Browns from his living room and calling anyone that would listen to discuss what plays should have been called. Bob kept busy by mowing lawns in his community. With a heart of gold, if any neighbors could not afford to pay him, he simply would not charge. Recently, an elderly neighbor could not afford to pay him because she was taking care of her ill brother. Bob gave her his earnings to help buy food and get through a challenging time.
Those that knew Bob well understood he endured many challenges in life, but Bob faced these hurdles head-on and strived to better himself. His loved ones will remember him for his love of family, the size of his heart, and his commitment to working hard.
Bob now rests easy with his mother and father, patiently waiting for this season’s opening kickoff, and undoubtedly telling each other, “This is the year”.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Acheson’s Resort, 9050 Acheson Resort Road, Lakeview on July 22, 2024, from 1:00pm to 5:00 pm.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
