Charles William Ludwig, 87, of Ottumwa, died at 2:40 p.m. March 6, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
He was born July 7, 1938 in Ottumwa to Carl W. and Addie G. Caster Ludwig. Charles married Diana Jean Durham on March 26, 1989 and she preceded him in death on July 5, 2017.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School, he served 30 years in the Iowa Army National Guard. Charles worked 25 years as a janitor for Ottumwa Public School District.
He enjoyed attending car shows where he entered with his show cars. Charles drag raced for many years, enjoyed playing Bingo, was an avid Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs fan and was a historian. He especially loved traveling and spending time with his family.
Surviving are his children, Cecilia Engle (John Hampshire), Carl Ludwig and Robert (Sherry) Ludwig, all of Ottumwa; 4 step-daughters, Zorana Harris, Kari Harris, Theresa Szuminski and Coty Brownlee; 24 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-son, Michael Harris.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 13th, at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the services.
Cremation will follow the services with inurnment in Ottumwa Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the family.
