James M. Ludolph

James Milton “Jim” Ludolph, 90, of Black Earth, passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Four Winds Manor. He was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Green Bay, the son of Milton and Alma (Froemming) Ludolph.

Jim attended K-12 school in Shawano and graduated in 1948. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1948 until 1952 during the Korean War. Jim became a staff sergeant, worked as a combat engineer and was stationed in many places — including Japan, Korea and Germany.

Jim attended Milwaukee Technical College in 1953, where he obtained his education in carpentry. On June 22, 1957, Jim married Marlene Schepler at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Madison.

Jim worked various jobs throughout his life. He worked for Vogel Brothers Construction as a supervisor. In addition, Jim was a building inspector for the townships of Vermont, Mazomanie, Black Earth and other communities on the western county line. He also owned and operated Line Marking Company.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 313 and Vermont Lutheran Church, where he was very involved. He was a past council president, in a dart ball league and on the Vermont Church building committee.

Jim and Marlene started their married life in Madison. Then, in 1969, they moved to beautiful Vermont township, where they bought a 200-acre farm. They lived in the old farmhouse while Jim started to build a new home. He did most of the building himself but had some wonderful help from family and friends. He loved the farm and taught his sons how to work and that there was always something to do.

He liked deer hunting and having the “crew” of hunters that came every year. When he could no longer work the farm and hunt, he found a hobby of making wooden bowls. Making bowls gave Jim great pleasure in his later years, and he gave away many as gifts.

In 2020, Jim and Marlene moved to Coventry Village, where he made many friends and acquaintances while riding on his bright red scooter.

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marlene Ludolph; sons, Brian (Pamela), Bruce (Kerri) and Jeffrey (Jennifer); and grandchildren, Lahna, Xavier and Elise. He is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley (Earl) Brandt; and in-laws, Wilbur and Margaret Schepler and Howard and Joanne (Zimmerman) Schepler.

A memorial service will be held at Vermont Lutheran Church, 9886 Vermont Church Road, Black Earth, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, with Pastor Barry Hoerz presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the American Legion State Headquarters, 2930 American Legion Drive, Portage, WI 53901. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

“God’s love is not exhausted, nor has God’s compassion failed.” (Lamentations 3:22)

Gunderson Camacho Black Earth Funeral and Cremation Care, 1710 Center St. 608-767-3684