Glen Lyle Ludwig's Obituary
Tribute to a beloved man in honor of a long life well lived.
Glen Lyle Ludwig of San Bernardino, California was born on October 9, 1932 in Exira, Iowa to William and Anna Ludwig. He passed away peacefully with family at his side at his home on December 12, 2024 at the age of 92.
Glen was proud of his Exira roots, where he graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1951. He was also a 150 pound starting lineman on the football team!
Glen also worked at the local alfalfa plant during high school. With his first paycheck, Glen bought a camera, developing film in the family’s one bathroom. His interest led to a lifetime of capturing memories through pictures and videos. He also bought younger brother, Billy, his first baseball glove made for a left hander, replacing the right handed glove he was wearing backwards, an early example of Glen’s generosity and love for family.
With one pair of jeans in his suitcase and enough money for one semester of tuition, Glen attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), where he made the wrestling team with no previous wrestling experience. He was tough and strong. He served in the Army from 1953-1955, achieving the rank of Private First Class. Glen was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, where he vowed to never live in the cold again after spending several nights in a tent in below freezing temperatures.
The GI Bill enabled Glen to further his education at the University of Arizona where he graduated as a civil engineer. Cal Tran hired Glen and his entire engineering class to work on the beginnings of the California freeway system. It was during this time Glen met a school teacher from Boston. Glen married Pearle Arlette (Densmore) Ludwig, the love of his life for over 63 years on November 20, 1960. They enjoyed their life together, both working hard, but enjoying many trips.. When Glen found something he loved, he stuck with it. Their favorite destinations were Maui; Jackson, Wyoming; and the 4th of July in Exira, where his hometown recently honored him by making him grand marshall in their parade.
Glen started Ludwig Engineering in 1964 and it has endured for 60 years as an Inland Empire mainstay He built his beloved 365 unit Goldwest Mobile Home Park in Victorville in 1972 providing affordable housing to families and seniors He started Fairway Constructors in Bullhead City, a development and homebuilding company that’s still going strong. Glen and Pearle owned hundreds of acres of land across California and Arizona, always having the vision to see the future potential
Glen and Pearle showered their love on their family as well as their many close friends and their business families. They always welcomed and encouraged summer visits to their home. They valued education, always mentoring, encouraging, and helping enable others to pursue their dreams.
Glen and Pearle were successful yet humble and extremely generous throughout their lives. They established The Pearle and Glen Foundation, which continues to benefit so many lives and worthy causes.
Glen is survived by his sisters-in-law Nadine Ludwig and Jan Ludwig and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearle Ludwig, parents William and Anna Ludwig, brothers Darwin Ludwig and Bill Ludwig, sister Donna and brother-in-law Marvin Thygesen, niece Teresa Boysen and dear friends Tom and Olga Keating. Glen’s family is very grateful for the caregivers during the last several years, especially Justin Santos.
Glen will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. We will miss his sense of humor, hearty laugh, and positive attitude.
A funeral service will be held on January 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Spirit of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5050 North Sierra Way, San Bernardino, CA 92404. Burial will be in July in Exira, Iowa. Donations can be made in Glen’s name to the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, 374 West Orange Show Road, San Bernardino, CA 92408.
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