Vernon Joe Ludwig, known as “Joe,” finished his life here on earth Thursday morning July 27, 2023, due to cardiac arrest, age 60. 

Joe was born on April 1, 1963, in Paradise, California. He grew up with the heart of a cowboy. He loved God, his country, his wife and his family. Joe married his wife Crystal on November 21, 1981. They were married for 41 years. Joe worked side-by-side with Crystal building their janitorial business, first in Butte County and later in Humboldt County. 

He was a songwriter and a counselor to many. He loved people and wanted them to know that they mattered, no matter what their past was, and that your past shame should not dictate your future. 

Joe was loved by many — from a young boy running the streets of Paradise and playing baseball to the man he became, teaching others about the love and forgiveness of God.

Joe is survived by his wife, Crystal Ludwig; his children, Nathaniel Ludwig, LaRisa Replogle and Brittany Tostie; his mother, Leah Anderson; his sisters, Teresa Friedli, Rachel Shilts and Kelly Thomas; 13 grandchildren and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Tommy G. Ludwig; his daughter, Kimberly R Ludwig; his grandparents, Don and Mabel Mullanix; as well as Otto and Viola Ludwig and his in-laws, Gurld and Rose Daniels.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Eureka the Pentecostal Church at 1060 Hoover St. Eureka, CA, 95503. The Family of Joe Ludwig would like to thank Pastor McDonald and Bishop McDonald for all their years of service and their support during this time. We would also like to thank Humboldt Cremation and Mark Gilliam for their help in this difficult time. 

The funeral service will be held at Eureka the Pentecostal Church on August 26 at 3 p.m., 1060 Hoover St. Eureka CA 95503.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joe’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.