Morris Ludwig

Minot

Morris Ludwig, 95, Minot, ND, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023, in his home.

Morris Peter Ludwig was born August 15, 1927, the son of Peter and Josie Ludwig, in Appam, ND. At an early age, Morris started helping farmers in the area. He was always a hard worker and someone who helped everyone around him.

In the buildup to World War II, thousands of workers swarmed to Boeing’s plant in Seattle, making the bombers and fighters that helped to win the war. Around this time, the Ludwig family made their way to Seattle, where Morris worked for Boeing.

Upon returning to ND, Morris was united in marriage to Mae Thelma Kvalen November 10, 1950, in Williston, ND (although for years many in the family celebrated November 11 until kindly correctly by the couple). They made their home in Appam, ND, until moving to the Kvalen family farm north of Grenora, where they farmed for a few years. They raised their daughters, Colette and Marla, in Ross, ND, where they lived for 30 years.

Morris ran the Ross Farmers Elevator Co. from April 1958-July 1989 and served on the ND Grain Dealers Association board for years. Morris served as the president of the NDGDA and is one of 39 presidents during the associations 100-year history. Morris and Mae were members of the Sons of Norway and with their move to Minot joined the Bread of Life Church. While in Ross, they made friends with everyone in the area and enjoyed their time at the bowling alley in Stanley. Never ones to brag or boast, you’d never know they had quite the collection of bowling trophies unless you found where they were hidden away. They also kept an amazing garden at their home in Ross.

Morris and Mae moved to Minot in 1990. Their retirement years were enjoyed with family and friends at Little Knife Bay, Lake Sakakawea. Morris shared so much with the love of his life, Mae who was with him until May 18, 2019. They lived life to the fullest making time for cruises, vacations, travel with friends, and taking in the Norsk Hostfest. He was always up for a game of cards. Morris had a love for the outdoors with a lot of time spent fishing and hunting with friends and family. A conversation with Morris wasn’t complete without discussing vehicles, whether it was about the old Model T from the farm or a new pickup that somebody just bought. He enjoyed sports and rarely missed a Minnesota Twins baseball game on TV.

Morris’s primary focus was always on his love of family and friends. Once you were a friend you were like family. Morris was the best husband, dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, great-grandpa and friend. Morris and Mae built a family that was close not only spending holidays together but summers together at everyone’s favorite place, the lake. There were so many stories and memories to share from that special place at Little Knife Bay, from nights when the summer sausage and treats would come out as all gathered at the cabin, to a quick trip to the casino, to themed Fourth of July parades. If you were looking for him at the lake and he wasn’t sitting outside by the garage, you just had to pull up and check inside the garage. Morris loved solving problems and often met with neighbors to share stories or work on projects together. The Ludwig lake home was the unofficial headquarters for Little Knife Bay and hardware store for any resident working on a project that needed just the right part and mind of a great man who would help you out.

Morris’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world and he treated each in a special way where all felt so loved. Those who were blessed to be able to call him grandpa knew he was the World’s Greatest Grandpa and the most kind and caring person they knew. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was a hard worker. Morris could make you laugh, and his laugh was the best. He had the biggest heart where you’d feel safe and welcome. He shared the best stories and remembered so many details in each. His warm hugs will be missed.

His loving family includes: daughters, Colette (Jack) Nybakken and Marla Kulig, all of Minot; grandchildren, Brekka Kramer (Jonn Knecht), Blake (Mary) Nybakken, Gabe (Amanda) Nybakken, Anthony Kulig (Kelly Smith), Keli (Matt) Kramer, Gage (Lisa) Kulig; great-grandchildren, Haley and Emma Kramer; Julia, Jack, Margo and Ward Nybakken; Hans Nybakken; Luca Kramer; Klay, Cy, and Gina Kulig; and nieces and nephews.

Morris was preceded in death by his wife, Mae; their son, Neil; parents, Peter and Josie; brother, Duane (Hennie) Ludwig; sister, Adelle (Orville) Berve; in-laws, Fred (Mable) Kvalen; niece, Jolene Hovda; brother-in-law, Marvin Dahl; son-in-law, Tony Kulig.

Celebration of Life: Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.

A Private family Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Visitation: there will be no reviewal, but friends may sign the register book on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials: are preferred to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Bread of Life Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 9, 2023.