Jody R. Ludvigsen

Jody R. Ludvigsen, age 61 of Menasha, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday evening, September 17, 2017 at the Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah.

Jody was born in Clintonville on April 28, 1956 as the son of the late James “Jim” and Josephine (Carlson) Ludvigsen. He graduated from Shawano High School in 1974 and soon after entered into service with the United States Navy for a short while. Jody was united in marriage to Mariann Desten on August 15, 1975 in Appleton. The couple resided in Kaukauna prior to moving to Menasha where they have lived since. Jody started working as a papermaker for the old Bergstrom Paper Mill which later became P.H. Gladfelter in Neenah. He retired in 2006 as the mill was shut down. Jody loved to visit and was somewhat of a professional at “jaw jacking”. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved to spend time sharing it with his family. Whether it was hunting turkeys and deer, fishing, or sturgeon spearing, he never gave in to his worn out body. Jody’s cabin was his home away from home where he enjoyed watching his birds and taking care of his guinea hens and ducks. He had a soft spot for children and treated his dogs Chance, Mingo, and Sam like his own kids. Jody was a jack of all trades and especially during his retirement; a proud bargain hunter. He would often brag about the deals he found, but was sure to bounce the idea off of Mariann first. The countless friendships he built over the years were of the utmost importance to him; especially those with Glenn & Nancy Cummings, Gordon & Donna Richter, and his in-laws Lloyd & Mary Jane Desten. Those three men were like father figures to Jody. Most importantly he was there for anyone when they needed help or just a good friends’ shoulder to lean on.

Jody is survived by his wife Mariann. Children: Tom (Stacie), Tim (Melissa), & Michele “Mikie” Ludvigsen, all of Menasha. Grandchildren: Dustin (Fiance Katie), Deserae, Nick, Kody, Lauren, Jonny, Quinn, & Cole. Also a Great-Granddaughter on the way. Sisters: Jacqualine (Dr. Shad) Ludvigsen, Jolene (Ronald) Mains, & Jeanette (Terry) Dobbe. Brothers: Jesse (Genia), Jake, & James (Denise) Ludvigsen. Uncle: Jim Carlson. Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law: Charles (Delores) Desten, Donna (Bill) Steiner, Barb Steenis, Diane (Bob) Steiner, & Teri (Gary) Schumacher. Numerous nieces and nephews. Also so many friends that he considered family including longtime friends Ronnie Phillips & family and Dave & Vinny Carroll.

Jody was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter Bella who came to help guide him home, a sister Joanne Ludvigsen, his father-in-law & mother-in-law Lloyd & Mary Jane Desten, and a brother-in-law Bob Steenis.

A celebration of Jody’s life will be held at a time yet to be determined. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family with the arrangements. An online guestbook for Jody can be found on the funeral home’s website www.eberhardtstevenson.com Jody’s family would also like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the 5th floor staff members of the Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah as well as the staff of Theda Care Hospice for the loving care shown to Jody during his stay.

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