Walter F. "Wally" Ludwa

Walter F. "Wally" Ludwa, 96, of Battle Creek died at the Legacy at The Oaks with his family at his side on Friday, December 30, 2016.

Wally was born June 20, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Nellie (Kontrek) Ludwa. He grew up in Detroit, attended St. Augustine School until 7th grade; in 1932 moved to Battle Creek and was a 1938 graduate of St. Philip Catholic High School. Wally honorably served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific December 30, 1941- December 10, 1945. He was employed at Kellogg Company prior to WWII and came back to Kellogg's after the war. Wally retired as a foreman in the machine shop and maintenance division of the paper plant (Kel-Co Carton & Container) on April 1, 1979 after 39 years. After Kellogg's, Wally was employed as a maintenance engineer at Gull Lake View, Stone Hedge and Bedford Golf Courses for 25 years.

Wally was formerly married to Elizabeth (Grieve) Ludwa. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Carol M. (Bliss) Ludwa on February 9, 2015. Surviving are three daughters, Amy Giroux of Grand Haven, MI, Mary Ann (Dan) ReBant of Kansas City, MO, and Barbara (Jon) Miller of Battle Creek; a stepson, Laurence DeBow of Traverse City, MI; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Wally was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Ludwa on Feb. 4, 2015; a sister and brother-in-law, Joann and Walter Pietzyrk and three brothers, Sigmund, Raymond and William Ludwa.

Wally was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kellogg 25 Year Club, V.F.W. 8715, and was a life member of D.A.V. Chapter 121. His hobbies included golfing and bowling. He used to enjoy golfing in the Kellogg Leagues at Riverside Country Club. He loved traveling. Wally will be remembered as "Mr. Fix It" and willing to help anyone.

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. José Haro 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at St. Philip Catholic Church, 92 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Military honors will be presented by the all volunteer Ft. Custer Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Guard; with interment to follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church for the "Roof Fund", 61 N. 23rd St., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.