Dr. Paul Edward Ludwig, 91, died peacefully at home in Crawfordsville on October 11, 2017 after an extraordinary life rooted in his love of humanity.
Paul was born to Arthur and Frances (Freudenthal) Ludwig in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey on December 23rd, 1925.
He graduated high school in 1943 and entered the Naval V12 program at the University of North Carolina, where he graduated in 1945 to enter the service during the final months of WWII. After returning from the war he worked as a chemist for American Cyanamide in Stamford, Connecticut, until he was recalled to serve in the Korean Conflict in 1950.
In 1954 Paul entered the University of Virginia medical school to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. It was there he met his future bride, Mary Del Torto, a fellow classmate. The two were married in 1957 and graduated medical school together the following year. After completing his residency in Kansas City, Paul did an internship in ophthalmology at IU medical school in Indianapolis.
He then settled in Crawfordsville joining a practice in ophthalmology with Dr. Jack Alexander.
Paul embraced his newfound community with gusto. A few of his memberships included St. John’s Episcopal church, University Club, Ouiatenon, Rotary, Crawfordsville school board, MCCF, Sugar Creek Players, Indiana State Medical Association, and countless volunteer activities. He enjoyed playing tennis, poker, working in the yard, theater, sailing, travel, the Yankees, and performing musical acts in Florida, where he and Mary spent their winters after retiring from their medical practices.
Paul’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends sharing stories of past adventures and future possibilities. His energy and love of life will be missed by those who knew him.
Survivors include his four children, Will (Kay) Ludwig of Franklin, IN, Julie (Dan) Bergfors of Crawfordsville, Wendy (Kevin) Brogioli of Wareham, MA, and Amy (John) McCormick of Columbus, IN and 11 grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law, nieces, grand nieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, a nephew, a grandson, and his beloved wife, Mary, who died in 2015.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Montgomery County Free Clinic, P.O. Box 86, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or St. John’s Episcopal church 212 S, Green St. Crawfordsville, IN 47933. The family requests you please share a fond or humorous memory you had with Paul by emailing it to memorieswithpaul@gmail.com.
