Frank Ludwig Obituary

Frank Ludwig, Jr. was born in Bayfield, CO., on Sept. 7, 1927, to Henry Frank and Iza Ludwig. He passed away Oct. 15, 2021. He spent his life ranching in the Pine River Valley and Weminuche Valley north of Pagosa Springs, taking time off to serve in the Navy during World War II. In his later years, he and his wife Opal spent their winters in Wickenburg, AZ and traveled throughout the states. Jr. is remembered by many in Bayfield being the only "cowboy" who took his daily walks wearing his cowboy hat and boots.

Jr. was preceded in death by wife Opal, son Preston, parents H. Frank and Iza, brother Carl and sister Jewell Ludwig LePlatt. He is survived by brothers: Roy of Covington, WA, Kenneth (Derlyn) of Salt Lake City, UT; son Murray (Rhonda) of Lead Hill, AR; grandchildren: Chad of Diamond City, AR, Makesha (Matthew) of Dallas, TX; great-grandson Adam; great-great-grandson Brandon of Plano TX; Nephews: Gerald (Phyllis), Clayton (Mary) of Bayfield, Mark Ludwig of Covington WA, Herb LePlatt (Betsy) of Chanhassen, MN, Duane of Aurora, CO, Larry (Sue) Leighton of Dolores, CO, Glenn Leighton of Cortez, CO; nieces: Mary of Aurora, CO, Julie Diamond of Salt Lake City, UT, Kathy Elliot of Bayfield, CO and numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces.

He was very active in the local Elks Club, Cattlemen's Association, and former board member of Basin Co-Op, Los Pino Ditch Co. and Schroder Ditch Co. He was thought of as the "patriarch" of the Ludwig families in Bayfield and will be missed by family and friends.

Graveside service will be at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Upper Pine River Fire District, 515 Sower Dr., Bayfield, CO 81122.