Eugene (Gene) L. Ludwig, 87, of Brighton, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Timber Oaks, Union Grove, WI. Gene was born on May 17, 1938 to the late Christian P. and Violetta C. (nee: Gall) Ludwig and he was a lifelong resident of Brighton, WI. He received his education at St. Francis Xavier Grade School, was a 1956 graduate of Central High School and he also served in the Naval Reserves from 1956-1960. Gene married his high school sweetheart Darlene Merrill, daughter of the late Anna (nee: Kohlman) and William Emmett Merrill on September 25, 1959. They were married for 66 years to the day. Darlene preceded Gene in death on September 25, 2025. In 1966, Gene started Ludwig Concrete which has a respected widespread reputation throughout the Northshore suburbs of IL and S.E. Wisconsin. This family business of 60 years is still being run today by his son Tom and grandsons Luke and Colton. Over the years Gene also had a tree nursery business, and he enjoyed dabbling in many real estate endeavors. Gene and his wife had a personal deer farm on their property where family and friends enjoyed visiting "Bucky" which was one of their favorites who came by name to be fed or to take a picture with. Gene loved the outdoors and could always be found working on some project around his homestead. He also looked forward to trips at his self-built Northern WI retreat where he loved to fish and hunt.

Gene is survived by his son Thomas Ludwig of Brighton; Daughter-in-law Kelly Vorpagel of Minocqua; grandchildren Weston Ludwig, Luke (Lexi) Ludwig, Colton Ludwig, Heidi Ludwig, Holly Ludwig and Carlie Vorpagel Great grandchild Reagan Rose; sister-in-law Ann Ludwig, nee Zebrowski, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Darlene Ludwig, nee Merrill; son Dale Ludwig; parents Christian and Violetta (nee Gall) Ludwig; siblings Harold F. Ludwig and sister-in-law Betty Ludwig, nee Schalinske, Joyce J. Dempsky, nee Ludwig and brother-in-law C.J.Dempsky, Christy Ludwig and sister-in-law Jean Ludwig, nee Padgett, Donald B. Ludwig, Raymond E. "Whovon" Ludwig, Dave Ludwig and sister-in-law Sally Ludwig, nee Stoxen.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Miller Reeseman Funeral Home 620 – 15th Avenue, Union Grove followed by a prayer service. Interment at St. Francis Xavier Church Cemetery in Brighton will immediately follow.