Memorial Trees
R
Randy & Pat Miller & Angie Dossett
December 18, 2025
A
Anonymous
December 17, 2025
S
SHG Football
December 16, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Charles H Ludolph
<p>Charles Henry Ludolph (84) of Kickapoo, IL passed away peacefully on December 12,</p><p>2025. He was born November 11, 1941, to Henry and Rita (Stark) Ludolph, a brother to</p><p>Mary, Bill (Kathy), and Ruth (John) Clift and he spent his entire life cherishing the</p><p>community and countryside of Kickapoo.</p><p><br></p><p>Charlie was a 1959 graduate of Spalding Institute, where he met the love of his life,</p><p>Barbara (Hanley) and he made many lifelong friends who continued to gather for</p><p>monthly lunches at Ludy's. Charlie headed to Dayton to become a "Flyer" for college,</p><p>but his heart belonged to Barb so he transferred to Bradley University and they later</p><p>married in 1962.</p><p><br></p><p>Charlie enjoyed working construction at V. Jobst side by side with his father and many</p><p>other Kickapoo men. He started his beer industry career at Pabst Brewing. After its</p><p>closing, he joined Brewers to distribute Anheuser Busch products to area</p><p>establishments, where he built numerous close relationships. Many owners and</p><p>operators said he provided the best service and was often the areas #1 driver.</p><p>Charlie’s work ethic and ability to tell a good story led him to strike out on his own and</p><p>open Ludy’s. Barb & Charlie worked tirelessly to develop their pride and joy, Ludy's</p><p>Kickapoo Creek Saloon. Charlie created a friendly environment where "everybody</p><p>knows his name" and people would gather to enjoy a Ludy Burger, which won many</p><p>“Best Burger in the Area” awards, or his homemade Ludy Tenderloin. He devoted</p><p>himself to Ludy’s for 10 years and set an example for what a bar could be. The Ludy's</p><p>name continued for another 17 years, closing in 2021 when his daughter-in-law and son</p><p>retired. Charlie was always quick to say “I am the ORIGINAL LUDY” something he was</p><p>always very proud of.</p><p><br></p><p>Charlie & Barb raised four sons, and those boys along with their wonderful wives</p><p>blessed them with 17 grandchildren: Dan & Lynn and daughters Rashelle (Davin</p><p>Reust), and Kelsie; David & Amy and children Jake, Alex, Joshua, and William; Brian &</p><p>DesaRae and children Charles (Taylor), Luke, Cole (Lexi), Clayton, Raelyn and Landyn;</p><p>Doug & Mary and children Sophie, Vance, Jack, Dean and Ty. The newest addition to</p><p>the family is Vincent Daniel Reust, Charlie’s first great grandson. First great</p><p>granddaughter, Lainey Jean Ludolph, is set to arrive in February. Charlie’s family</p><p>brought him much joy and hope for the future.</p><p><br></p><p>Charlie found joy in all he did and never met a stranger. He coached, hunted, fished,</p><p>farmed, and gardened. Charlie and Barb purchased hunting land, Sleepy Hollow II,</p><p>which was Charlie’s happy place where he shared his love of nature with his boys and</p><p>grandchildren. In retirement, he and Barb set out to visit as many National Parks as</p><p>possible while sleeping in the back of their conversion van. In their later years, Charlie</p><p>and Barb were enthusiastic fans of all activities their grandchildren participated in.</p><p>Charlie was often the LOUDEST and proudest fan in the stands.</p><p><br></p><p>Charlie’s life was a testament to the power of faith, family and friendship.</p><p>He treasured his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and most recently, great-grandfather.<br></p><p>Family meant everything to him, along with his strong connection to his Iowa roots, his mother</p><p>Rita Stark’s, birthplace. He dedicated his time and talents to many activities and groups,</p><p>including Kickapoo Youth Baseball, Spalding Boosters, Heading Avenue Athletic</p><p>Complex, his award-winning Kickapoo Joy Juice, and St. Mary's Church and School,</p><p>where he and his sons graduated.</p><p><br></p><p>Please enjoy a toast in Charlie's honor and think of one of his many stories or</p><p>calamities. Charlie was known to act or speak then to reflect and apologize! But he</p><p>always came back with "Love youz".</p><p><br></p><p>Barb and the entire Ludolph family would like to thank the caregivers who have assisted</p><p>with Charlie's care over the last several years of health struggles. Lutheran Hillside</p><p>provided a loving home for him over the past year, and we greatly appreciate their</p><p>patience and kindness. Transitions Hospice Team was instrumental in Charlie's</p><p>peaceful passing.</p><p>God bless caregivers.</p><p><br></p><p>Wednesday, December 17th - Visitation from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm at St. Mary's Parish Hall. The visitation will close with the rosary.</p><p>Thursday, December 18th - Visitation from 9:30-10:30 with the Funeral Mass starting at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Kickapoo. Father James Pankewicz will be officiating.</p><p>Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Kickapoo.</p><p><br></p><p>Memorials may be given to St. Mary's School of Kickapoo.<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>November 11, 1941 - December 12, 202511/11/194112/12/2025
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