Army Colonel Joseph “Joe” Ludvik, passed away on January 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Joe was born on November 4, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Frank and Stella Ludvik. Joseph was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Cleo Marie Ryan Ludvik; parents, Frank and Stella; brother, James and son-in-law, Tony Neydon. He is survived by his sons, Frank (Cheryl O’Connor), Tommy (Suzanne Bohensteil) and Jeff (Cheryl Selig); daughters, Nancy (Tony Linsangan) and Beth (Mike Younkin); grandchildren, Whitney, Matthew, Maggie, Taylor, Tanner, Beth, Scott, Joe (SaVoyne), Dyithia (Joe Roach), Courtney Neydon, Ryan and Sarah and great-grandchildren, Beck, Wyatt, Ava and Lincoln. Joe was fond of many people in his extended family including his nephews, Jim, Keith and Tom Ludvik, Rocky, John and Tim Gregory; niece, Sherrie Ludvik Taylor along with Patty Moerschell, Jenny Ludvik and Chelsea Raum.
Joe graduated from Chicago Illinois’ Farragut High School in 1947. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and travelled the world, attained the rank of Colonel in the Army and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal upon retirement. He was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows serving as a Past District Deputy Grand Master, representative to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, Secretary and Noble Grand of the Lafayette Lodge #9.
When Joe wasn’t serving as a Traffic Manager with the U.S. Navy, he was telling the corniest ‘DAD’ jokes you have ever heard, playing golf, tailgating at ODU football games, attending ODU basketball games, playing with his grandkids, supporting his local Independent Order of Odd Fellows chapter, and watching Cubs or Bears games from his hometown of Chicago.
There will be a public memorial visitation on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens at 6329 E. VA Beach, Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502. Due to the restrictions set by Governor Northam the memorial service will be private, but available to view on Facebook Live via Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Garden's Facebook page. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.WoodlawnNorfolk.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Plaza and Courthouse Rescue Squads.
