Funeral services for Harold Frank Ladwig, 92, were held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Douglas, Wyoming with Reverend Jakob D. Berger officiating. Interment was in the Douglas Park Cemetery with military honors accorded by Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8 and the Wyoming Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors.
Harold Ladwig died Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the Douglas Care Center in Douglas.
Harold was born in Hemingford, Nebraska on Sunday, January 10, 1926 the son of William August Frederick and Katherina Wilhelmia (Glandt) Ladwig. As a small child, Harold moved with his family to Van Tassell, Wyoming. He was the fifth child in a family of twelve children, but was the last one to go to his heavenly reward at the age of 92.
Harold grew up in the Niobrara County area and farmed with his father and brothers. He later entered the United States Army and served for two years in Fort Riley, Kansas before being honorably discharged after the end of World War II. Following his discharge he returned to Niobrara County to be near his family. He met, fell in love and married his soul mate, Vivian Fern Dieleman on May 31, 1948 at her parents’ home in Lost Springs, Wyoming. They farmed for seven years, before moving to Douglas in 1955. He stared working for Pacific Power as a meter reader and retired after 30 years.
He was also a very successful landlord in Douglas, which he continued until his passing.
Harold was known for his building of mini lawn wagons and was often called the “Wagon Man”.
He was a kind and generous man and his family meant everything to him.
In his younger years he was a coach for the Indians Little League for nine years. He was also a charter member of the Zion Lutheran Church and was amongst others as the new church was opened in 1957. He was also involved in the Lions Club.
Harold enjoyed square dancing with his love, Vivian Fern, and the two of them later participated in the Senior Center band, where he played the drums.
He was also an avid joke teller and made everyone laugh with his humor.
Harold was survived by his wife of 70 years, Vivian Fern Ladwig, of Douglas; sons, Larry A. Ladwig of Phoenix, Arizona and Phillip B. (Diana) Ladwig of Morrison, Colorado; two grandsons, Adam Ladwig and Nathan Ladwig; two granddaughters, Jessica Ladwig and Joy Dean (Craig) Shain; two great grandchildren, Axton and Myla; and daughter-in-law, Becky Ladwig.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Katie; infant daughter; son, Stanley J. Ladwig, on July 21, 2007; eight sisters; and three brothers.
Serving as pallbearers were Alan Gorrell, Dale Wright, Ron Lambert, Darrell Guse, Dick Berryman, Gannon Meeks, Richard Ladwig, and John Bauder.
Serving as honorary pallbearers were Howard Miessler, Alan Blackburn, Adam Blackburn, Jack Kleemeyer, and Clarence Davidson.
A memorial to the Douglas Senior Citizens’ Center, P.O. Box 192, Douglas, Wyoming 82633 or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming was in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com
