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Dr. Marvin J. Ludwig

May 16, 2018
Portage, MI

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Dr. Marvin Jay Ludwig, President Emeritus of The Defiance College, died Wednesday afternoon May 16, 2018 in Portage, Michigan. Marvin was born August 29, 1926 in Sioux City, Iowa, a son of Reverend L. Harrison Ludwig and Naomi B. (Strayer) Ludwig. Dr. Ludwig served as the President of Defiance College from 1975 to 1994. Dr. Ludwig increased the endowment and fundraising allowing for 4 new buildings on Campus. He was awarded the Defiance College Pilgrim Medal in 1994. Dr. Ludwig also served as the Secretary General for the YMCA's of Ethiopia, expanding the YMCA from one to 23 facilities and developing leadership and training programs for youth and families. Under Dr. Ludwig's leadership the YMCA was awarded the Haile Selassie First Prize Trust Award for Outstanding Achievements in Humanitarian Activities. During WWII, he served with the U.S. Marines. Dr. Ludwig also was active on many boards and civic organizations including Church World Service and Rotary International. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth Ludwig, on November 21, 2010; son, Marshall Ludwig, on May 19, 2002; sister, Ruth Laird; and brother, Dean Ludwig. He is survived by his daughters, Robin Lovely and Rhonda Ludwig living in Kalamazoo; son-in-law John Lovely; grandsons John J. Lovely, Brendon J. Lovely, James R. Ludwig and Shawn M. Ludwig; and, daughter-in law Kathy McGill Ludwig. Private services will be held in Kalamazoo. There will be no visitation. Memorial service will be held at the Defiance College, at St. John United Church of Christ (950 Webster St., Defiance) on June 29, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Memorial gifts may be directed to Project Mercy and/or Defiance College. Organization contact information: Project Mercy, Donations by mail, 7011 Ardmore Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809; Donations by Phone, (260)747-2559; or, online https//www.projectmercy.org/donate. And/Or To the Marvin J. and Ruth M. Ludwig Scholarship fund to Defiance College by mail, 701 N. Clinton, Defiance, Ohio 43512 or online at www.deficance.edu/giving. Please visit Dr. Ludwig's personalized webpage for online guestbook or to leave a condolence. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, Mich., www.langelands.com.