Robert Nelson Ludwig, MD

Dr. Robert Nelson Ludwig, 88, of Clearwater Florida, peacefully passed away in his home on December 10th, 2024. Rob was an extraordinary man who had a positive and lasting impact on many people. He dedicated his life and unwavering support to his family, friends, colleagues, and the medical profession.

He was Born on December 5th, 1936 in Springfield Ohio. He spent his childhood in Lima, his career in Columbus and Cleveland, leisure at Indian Lake and later life in Clearwater, Florida. He was married in 1969, to the love of his life, Sally Branagan, for 50 years; until her passing in May of 2020. Together, they raised 4 children, Amy, Lisa, Daniel, and Michael. They enjoyed spending time with their many grandchildren, whom they adored and loved unconditionally.

Rob attended Denison University and The Ohio University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree where he pledged as a Lambda Chi Alpha. He continued his education at The Ohio State University where he graduated as Doctor of Medicine in 1964. He then enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. As Captain, he cared for families stationed in Minot, North Dakota for 2 years before receiving Honorable Discharge. Rob continued to study in the field of medicine. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at The Hawkes Hospital of Mt. Carmel, Columbus, Ohio and his Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the renowned Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. He returned to Columbus, where he started his medical practice, as the first Gastroenterologist in the city. He found his “hospital home” at Mt. Carmel where he used his knowledge, and expertise to work tirelessly helping his community in hospital leadership, caring for his patients and opening the first out-patient endoscopy suite in the city.

Rob was one of a kind. His love of learning made him incredibly intelligent and wise, AND at the same time, hilarious and witty. He loved spending time with family at Indian Lake; boating, fishing, shooting pool or just relaxing by the water. He was an avid college football fan. The Buckeyes were imprinted on his heart and he loved to watch or attend games with family and friends. His interests were so diverse. He shared a love of horse racing with his close friend, Woody, and developed "Rob N' Wood Stable". They raced thoroughbreds at Beaulah Park in the late 1970s. Then in the early 2000's, he turned his attention to classic car collecting and restoration. He purchased and restored a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, and his pride and joy-- a 1946 Chrysler Town and Country "Woodie". The entire restoration was documented in "Cars and Parts" magazine. He showed the vehicle across the United States and won many accolades including an award for “Best Chrysler in the Country”.

Rob is survived by his four children Amy (Loehnis) and her husband Jeffrey of Delaware, OH, Lisa (Prestifilippo) and her husband Michael of Pickerington, OH, his son Daniel and his wife Alicia of Spring Hill, FL and Michael of Clearwater, FL; eleven grandchildren, Antonio, Mario, Dominic, Sophia, Joshua, Larissa, Tyler, Brandon, Aislyn, Christopher and William and one sibling Barbara Talbot. Rob is predeceased by his wife, Sally Ludwig; his father, William B. Ludwig; his mother, Alice Ludwig; and his brother, Bernard Ludwig.

Rob will be missed by many. However, his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, upon whose lives he left a striking, indelible, mark. He will always be remembered for his wise counsel, self sacrifice, solid dependability, generous heart, infectious sense of wit, and loving character.

Visitation for Dr. Robert N. Ludwig will be held Friday, January 3rd, from 5 pm to 8 pm. His funeral will be Saturday January 4th at 10:00 in the morning. Both services will be held at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017. A private burial will follow on January 4th for family and close friends.

Gifts of Memoriam may be made to Cleveland Clinic, by following this link: https://give.ccf.org/fundraiser/5977124.

ROBERT NELSON LUDWIG, MD

EDUCATIONAL & CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

06/04/1954 – Lima Public Schools (Ohio) Central HS Diploma

09/1954 thru 06/1956 – Dennison University, Granville Ohio

07/18/1958 – The Ohio University College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science

06/12/1964 – The Ohio State University Doctor of Medicine, The College of Medicine

06/12/1964 – The State of Ohio, State Medical Board Examination

07/01/1964 thru 06/30/1965 – Internship at The Hawkes Hospital of Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio

11/09/1967 – Honorable Discharge United States Air Force Captain, AFRes

07/01/1967 thru 06/30/1969 – Resident Internal Medicine, The Hawkes Hospital of Mount Carmel, Columbus, Ohio

07/01/1969 thru 06/30/1970 – The Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation, Fellowship, Gastroenterology

10/11/1970 – Opens first Gastroenterology practice in Columbus at Kingsdale Professional Bldg. 11/10/1973 – American College of Physicians, Elected Member

05/10/1978 – American Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Elected Member

05/21/1979 – American College of Gastroenterology, Elected Fellow

1979 – 1982 – Chairman Award, Department of Medicine, presented by Mt. Carmel Medical Staff

09/05/1986 – The Ohio State University Department of Internal Medicine, confers, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine

1985 – 1987 – President Elect, Cleveland Clinic Alumni Association

1987 – 1990 – President, Cleveland Clinic Alumni Association

1989 – President of Medical Staff, Mount Carmel Hospital, West (now closed)

01/1994 – American College of Physicians Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MKSAP

1995 - 1997 – The Ohio State University Preceptorship Program

1997 – 1998 – Preceptor

2022 – American College of Gastroenterology 50-year Membership Award