The funeral service for Donald "Tony" Ludwig will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City with Pastor John Berg officiating. Military Rites will follow the service at the church by the Lake City American Legion Post #110 and the Lake City VFW Post #8729. A 'Celebration of Life' will continue at the Lake City VFW from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Burial will be at a later date in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Lake City.

Mr. Ludwig, 94, of Lake City passed away Sunday morning, June 5, 2016 at the Mayo Clinic Health System – Lake City Care Center in Lake City.

Donald A. (Tony) Ludwig was born on April 10, 1922 in Hutchinson, Minn., to Marie (Hesse) and Antony Ludwig. Don was a lifelong resident of Lake City. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City.

Don was in the U.S. Air Force serving his country during WWII in Italy. Sgt. Ludwig returned to Lake City in 1945. He has always been proud of his country and being a WWII Veteran! After his return from the military, he bought the Mobil Oil Station in Lake City. Two years later, he joined his father in owning and operating the Corner Grocery. In 1967, he sold the business to Fairway Foods. Over the next 30 years, Don's business adventures included a car wash, used cars, tavern, mowing and snow plowing as well as real estate.

Over the years, Don's community service record is as impressive as his business career. He was a volunteer fireman for over 24 years, served on the police committee, active member and supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, was in Kiwanis and a lifetime member of the Lake City VFW Post #8729 and the American Legion Post #110 where he served as a past commander. On his 90th birthday he was honored for being a lifetime member of the Lake City VFW Post #8729.
He participated in many military funerals, parades and was Grand Marshall for Water Ski Days in 2012. Don was also instrumental in establishing the Frontenac State Park. Don has been a very active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City.

He has always enjoyed a good prank, a joke a good hearty laugh, and going to casinos. A skilled card player, he loved music especially old time and dancing. He has always loved animals from the days of 'Beauty' to his current pet 'Lucky'! But nothing more was more important to Don than his family.

Donnie is survived by his sons, David (Debora) Ludwig of Gilbert, Ariz., and Gary (Patsy) Ludwig, of Frontenac; stepson Tom (Sharon) Knaup, of Maple Lake, Minn.; two step grandchildren, Cindy (Dean) Burrington of Plymouth, Minn., and Jeff (Tracy) Knaup of San Tan, Ariz.; and five step great-grandchildren, Zachary, Nicole, Lukas, Jacob, and Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Birdie (Stettler) Ludwig; and wife, Idella (French) Ludwig who passed away September 2, 2012.

"A Good Man Obtains Favors From the Lord." Proverbs 12:2

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel in Lake City, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.