Marvin K. Ludwig, 81, of Oak Ridge passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 15, 1928, in Oak Ridge, son of Ernest and Amanda Hecht Ludwig. He and Dorothy Zwosta were married Nov. 11, 1951, at New Wells.

Marvin was born and raised on a Missouri Century Farm, where he and his wife had resided since their marriage.

He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1946 and was a farmer all his life. In addition to farming, he did construction work 12 years and from 1973 to 1993 operated a dairy farm. He retired in 2006 due to failing health.

Marvin was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pocahontas, where he had held various church offices. He was a former member of Cape County Farm Bureau, Planning and Zoning Board and Oak Ridge School Board. He was also a member of the former Cape County Pork Producers and a former leader of Pocahontas 4-H Club.

Loving survivors include his wife of 57 years; three children, Ken (Carol) Ludwig of Doylestown, Pa., Marie (Keith) Ruesler of Jackson, Dale (Rhonda) Ludwig of Linn, Mo.; a brother, Leonard (Jacqueline) Ludwig; 10 grandchildren, Christi (Kevin) Kuntz, Annette (Michael) Engelen, Leah (Bradley) Lappe, Amanda (James) Szatales, Melissa (Clayton) Cartwright, Natalie Ruesler, Zachary Ruesler, Trent, Claire and Troy Ludwig; and four great-grandchildren, Trustin Lappe, Kelby Engelen, Caitlyn and Ryan Kuntz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Verna Thurm.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson and from 9 a.m. to service time Friday at St. John's Church.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Bruce Ritter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or Cemetery in Pocahontas, or to the church or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.