Raymond "Duke"

C. Ludwig Jr.

Arlington — Raymond "Duke" C. Ludwig Jr., 90. of Arlington, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 at Nye Legacy in Fremont.

A celebration of life will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 at the Arlington VFW Club in Arlington.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 at the Arlington Community Church in Arlington.

Burial will be in the Arlington Cemetery in Arlington.

Memorials may be made to the Arlington Senior Center in Duke's memory.

Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home in Arlington is in charge of the arrangements.

Duke was born Nov. 18, 1935, in Arlington to Raymond C. Ludwig Sr. and Hazel L. (French) Ludwig, and he remained a lifelong Arlington resident.

After graduating from Arlington High School, Duke attended Colorado A&M University, now Colorado State University. 

He began his career as an over-the-road truck driver for Bell Creek Trucking, primarily hauling livestock. After seven years with Bell Creek, he joined Hormel in Fremont, where he worked for 37 years before retiring in June 1997.

On Nov. 25, 1956, Duke married Janet Neibaum at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2003.

Duke was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fremont and attended Arlington Community Church. He proudly served on the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Duke loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he gave his family a beautiful example of how to embrace life with a sense of fun while also living selflessly. His stories and gift for bringing people together will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Duke was deeply valued by the Arlington community, where his humor and friendship will be greatly missed. He treasured the time he spent sharing coffee, playing cards and visiting with friends.

A true outdoorsman, Duke especially enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping. By sharing these pursuits with family and friends, he inspired many of them to make the outdoors a meaningful part of their own lives.

Duke is survived by his two sons Dan (Tonya) Ludwig of Omaha and John (Cheryl) Ludwig of O'Neill, his sister Germaine Johnson of Greeley, CO, four grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and his special friend Karen Knutson of Fremont, along with her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janet, his two sons Geryl Ludwig and infant son Michael, his brother Dr. Lauren (Jackie) Spangler and his two sisters June (Ronald) Warder and Joan Kerkhoff.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mosermemo rialchapels.com.      

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