Adrian Michael Ludwig

Memorial Service Livestream Link

Adrian Michael Ludwig, 66, of Lester, Iowa, was called Home to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on August 6, 2026.

Adrian was born in Akron, Iowa, to Hugo Richard Ludwig and Vivian “Adele” (Stene) Ludwig and was raised on the family farm near Alcester, South Dakota. He valued his Lutheran heritage and was an active member of Seeds of Faith Church in Lester, Iowa.

Adrian attended Alcester High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Gifted in mathematics and technology, he worked for eight years as an activities assistant at Morningside Manor Nursing Home, followed by 32 years as a purchasing manager and CAD designer at Tendaire Industries, Inc. in Beresford, South Dakota. After moving to Lester, Adrian also worked part-time at Local Zip and, in 2022, became the store’s full-time manager.

On February 16, 2008, Adrian married Karla Mae Knobloch at Seeds of Faith Church in Lester. Adrian wholeheartedly embraced his role as stepdad to Karla’s children and treasured the family they built together. An old soul at heart, Adrian put caring for “my Karla” and those he loved first. Even his laptop password, KMLLOML, quietly said it: Karla’s initials paired with “love of my life.”

Adrian was gentle, selfless, and deeply compassionate, with a quick, dry wit and a sly smile that could speak volumes. He was a steady presence, often content to sit in his chair and take in all the activity around him. He loved holding and snuggling the babies and rarely missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren at sporting events, dance recitals, and other activities. Adrian showed his love simply and consistently: by being there. He also showed it through food. Family gatherings were made better by Adrian’s special cheeseburgers, Christmas goodies, and, of course, his famously over-the-top chili.

For the last five years, Adrian found great joy in fostering puppies for B-Squad Dog Rescue. He loved each foster pup unconditionally and “foster failed” more than once when a dog simply became too special to let go. Adrian could often be found walking his dogs, fishing, watching football or NASCAR, learning more about astronomy, attending rock-and-roll concerts with Karla, or simply spending time with his family.

Perhaps the clearest reflection of the man Adrian was, came near the end of his life. Even then, his thoughts remained with others. He witnessed to those who entered his room, sharing the faith that sustained him and reminding each person, “You are a blessing.”

Those grateful to have shared Adrian’s life include his wife, Karla Ludwig; stepchildren, Heather (Jonathan) Nemechek of Melbourne, Florida, Tyler (Melissa) Knobloch of Sioux Center, Iowa, Courtney (Sultan) Lewis of Tea, South Dakota, and Riley Knobloch of Inwood, Iowa; step grandchildren, Maximus Nemechek, Nola Nemechek, Taryn Knobloch, Mariah Knobloch, Davis Knobloch, Bryce Knobloch, Styles Lewis, Kelyn Lewis, and Kavyn Lewis; and his half-brother, Rhett (Penny) Anderberg of Rowena, South Dakota. Adrian is also survived by his special four-legged companion, Tator Tot.

Adrian was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday with a special time of sharing at 6:45pm, August 16, 2026, at Seeds of Faith Church in Lester, Iowa. A memorial service celebrating Adrian’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Seeds of Faith Church. A private family burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Alcester, South Dakota.

Adrian spent his final days reminding others that they were a blessing. Those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him will forever know that Adrian was one, too.