Irene Thea Ludwig

1943-2025

Irene Thea Ludwig, age 82, of Colby and formally of Germany, entered her heavenly home on Oct. 2, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Rev. Nancy Amacher will officiate. Family and friends are welcome for a visitation at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

The beloved daughter of Johan and Margit (Lhotsky) Schanan, Irene Thea Ludwig was born on Feb. 25, 1943 in Reichenberg, Bohemia.

At the age of 23, Irene met the love of her life, Edwin. She moved to America from Germany to live their lives together. Irene and Edwin married Jan. 28, 1967; together they were blessed with two children, Angela and Jeff. Together, they traveled to many memorable places, including fishing trips in Canada, relaxing vacations in Mexico, and heartfelt visits back to Irene’s home in Germany.

In her youth, she found happiness in fishing and camping. She was a member of the Jaycees Organization. She dedicated 20 years of her life working as a dough master at Pizza Hut, where she took great pride in her craft.

Irene had a green thumb and loved gardening, tending to both flowers and vegetables with care and joy. Her love for nature continued through bird watching, a peaceful pastime she truly enjoyed. Her favorite birds were swallows and hummingbirds. She loved when the hummingbirds would gather around her bleeding hearts. She expressed her creative side through quilting, crocheting, photography and crafting seasonal wreaths.

Above all Irene cherished her family; her cats, Mitzy and Twiggy; and her dog, Lucky. She will be greatly missed.

Irene is survived by her husband of 58 years, Edwin; two children, Angela Scherer and Jeff Ludwig (partner, Faye Neubaur); and one grandson, Jared Scherer (partner Rianna Kubly). She is further survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

Paid Obituary 175019