Roll Call Tribute
Jerome "Jerry" Ledwig '54 July 26, 2016 1:57 PM updated: July 26, 2016 2:02 PM
Hillier Funeral Home - College Station obituary
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 985-2060
Jerome Leon "Jerry" Ledwig
October 16, 1932 - July 24, 2016
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
--Mother Theresa
Jerome Leon “Jerry” Ledwig
Always happy, Jerry Ledwig passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at age 83, surrounded by those who loved him most. With his sense of fun and gentle good humor, our beloved husband and father left us a legacy of humility, compassion and Christian service.
Jerry was born October 16, 1932, in Groom (Carson County), Texas, near Amarillo. His parents were Felix and Ethel (Palmer) Ledwig, a farmer and registered nurse/midwife, respectively. Jerry was the third of five children, including siblings Ralph Ledwig, Berniadine McNeil, Florence Ware and Elaine Chapman, who all shared the same bicycle and horse around the family farm. Like most farm kids, Jerry learned how to drive a tractor at an early age, as well as how to wake early and work hard each day. When he was older, Jerry’s father sent him to Catholic boarding school in Amarillo so that his son might have a religious education at (all male) Price Memorial College, a decision which altered the course of Jerry’s life in myriad, positive ways. Jerry would eventually pursue higher education at Texas A&M University, where he joined the Corps of Cadets and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. He left College Station as a proud, maroon-wearing Aggie and couldn’t wait to get back to Aggieland. Following his time at TAMU, Jerry served three years in the United States Air Force as a navigator and ECM radio operator, achieving the rank of captain and receiving two air medals for meritorious achievementbefore returning home.
Near Jerry’s high school alma mater (Price College) was a companion female Catholic school, St. Mary’s Academy, and out of this institution came Joan Funk (Ledwig), whom Jerry met while they were both students. They would date for five years before finally marrying in Amarillo on June 9, 1955; their marriage would last 62 years. The Ledwig family expanded to include five children: David (and wife Jan) Ledwig, Paul Ledwig, Daniel (and wife _____), Jean). Anna Marie Richards and Martha Elizabeth Ledwig (who died in infancy).
In professional terms, Jerry held a position as a Chemical Engineer with Exxon Mobil for 38 years, after which he worked for Amoco until his retirement. But his passion lay in pursuing causes closer to his heart and home—he reveled in his roles as both a husband to his beautiful Joan and a father of a fine young family. His children (then later, grandchildren and great-grandchildren) kept him young at heart as he continually skipped while holding hands with them on shopping trips, taking them out to McDonald’s and also to church (or even Disneyland), cracking jokes about himself while making beautiful wooden rocking horses and dollhouses for family members, enjoying reunions and even simple meals together. Indeed, his woodworking skills led others in the community to seek Jerry’s good will and service in providing handmade auction items for charity. Some of Jerry’s favorite causes included hospice care, tutoring the illiterate and volunteering at the George Bush Library, (which he did for the past 22 years). A man of strong personal faith, Jerry was shy in discussing spiritual matters but was careful to raise his children with an abiding testimony of God as he prayed for them and ushered at church, actively participating in congregations at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary’s of College Station. He found more ways to support his church family through the Boy Scouts of America (Troop 1074, at St. Thomas), the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul. Additionally, Jerry and Joan adopted Aggies and welcomed them into their home for 19 years.
Truly, Jerry Ledwig knew how to live and how to love, smiling as he went along greeting everyone with a resounding, “Howdy!” In addition, he avidly followed TAMU sports, made furniture, collected stamps and soaked up Texas history. Jerry also loved Mickey Mouse and cups of coffee “hotter than the sun.” About him, one of his sons remarked, “I aspire to be half the man he is,” and from his granddaughter came this tribute to her Pop: “We were so blessed that we were his.”
Remembering Jerry fondly now are his devoted wife Joan, their children and daughters in law: David & Jan, Paul, Daniel & Jean and Anna Marie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Also missing him are his grandchildren, including: Ryan (& Katie) Ledwig, Renae (& Ross) Mull, Angela (& Scott) Patz, Royce Ledwig, Brandonyant Richards (and fiancé Veronica Carlson), Colin Richards, Amelia Richards, Matthew Richards and Maggie (& Cory) Roughton . Jerry’s great-grandchildren also mark his passing; they are Charlesie Ledwig, Miles Mull, Davis Mull, Sarah (& Justin) Fry, Andrew Patz, Derek Patz, and Hannah Patz. Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Martha.
Join with us in celebrating the incomparable life of Jerry Ledwig, beginning with a Rosary service at 6pm on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Hillier Funeral Home of College Station, to be followed by Visitation and a time to share memories. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be held at 10am on Thursday, July 28th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station. Interment will be at the Aggie Field of Honor. His family greatly appreciates the care provided by the nursing staff and doctors Meade and Covington of Baylor Scott & White Hospital in College Station. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mary’s College Station Building Fund, Still Creek Ranch or Baylor Scott & White Foundation,
Rosary
JUL 27. 06:00 PM
Hillier Funeral Home - College Station
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX, US, 77845
wecare@hillierfh.com
Visitation
JUL 27. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Hillier Funeral Home - College Station
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX, US, 77845
wecare@hillierfh.com
Life Celebration
JUL 28. 10:00 AM
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
2541 SH 6 South
College Station, TX, US, 77845
Cemetery Details
Aggie Field of Honor
3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway
College Station, TX,
http://fieldofhonor.cstx.gov/index.as
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 985-2060
Jerome Leon "Jerry" Ledwig
October 16, 1932 - July 24, 2016
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
--Mother Theresa
Jerome Leon “Jerry” Ledwig
Always happy, Jerry Ledwig passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at age 83, surrounded by those who loved him most. With his sense of fun and gentle good humor, our beloved husband and father left us a legacy of humility, compassion and Christian service.
Jerry was born October 16, 1932, in Groom (Carson County), Texas, near Amarillo. His parents were Felix and Ethel (Palmer) Ledwig, a farmer and registered nurse/midwife, respectively. Jerry was the third of five children, including siblings Ralph Ledwig, Berniadine McNeil, Florence Ware and Elaine Chapman, who all shared the same bicycle and horse around the family farm. Like most farm kids, Jerry learned how to drive a tractor at an early age, as well as how to wake early and work hard each day. When he was older, Jerry’s father sent him to Catholic boarding school in Amarillo so that his son might have a religious education at (all male) Price Memorial College, a decision which altered the course of Jerry’s life in myriad, positive ways. Jerry would eventually pursue higher education at Texas A&M University, where he joined the Corps of Cadets and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. He left College Station as a proud, maroon-wearing Aggie and couldn’t wait to get back to Aggieland. Following his time at TAMU, Jerry served three years in the United States Air Force as a navigator and ECM radio operator, achieving the rank of captain and receiving two air medals for meritorious achievementbefore returning home.
Near Jerry’s high school alma mater (Price College) was a companion female Catholic school, St. Mary’s Academy, and out of this institution came Joan Funk (Ledwig), whom Jerry met while they were both students. They would date for five years before finally marrying in Amarillo on June 9, 1955; their marriage would last 62 years. The Ledwig family expanded to include five children: David (and wife Jan) Ledwig, Paul Ledwig, Daniel (and wife _____), Jean). Anna Marie Richards and Martha Elizabeth Ledwig (who died in infancy).
In professional terms, Jerry held a position as a Chemical Engineer with Exxon Mobil for 38 years, after which he worked for Amoco until his retirement. But his passion lay in pursuing causes closer to his heart and home—he reveled in his roles as both a husband to his beautiful Joan and a father of a fine young family. His children (then later, grandchildren and great-grandchildren) kept him young at heart as he continually skipped while holding hands with them on shopping trips, taking them out to McDonald’s and also to church (or even Disneyland), cracking jokes about himself while making beautiful wooden rocking horses and dollhouses for family members, enjoying reunions and even simple meals together. Indeed, his woodworking skills led others in the community to seek Jerry’s good will and service in providing handmade auction items for charity. Some of Jerry’s favorite causes included hospice care, tutoring the illiterate and volunteering at the George Bush Library, (which he did for the past 22 years). A man of strong personal faith, Jerry was shy in discussing spiritual matters but was careful to raise his children with an abiding testimony of God as he prayed for them and ushered at church, actively participating in congregations at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary’s of College Station. He found more ways to support his church family through the Boy Scouts of America (Troop 1074, at St. Thomas), the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul. Additionally, Jerry and Joan adopted Aggies and welcomed them into their home for 19 years.
Truly, Jerry Ledwig knew how to live and how to love, smiling as he went along greeting everyone with a resounding, “Howdy!” In addition, he avidly followed TAMU sports, made furniture, collected stamps and soaked up Texas history. Jerry also loved Mickey Mouse and cups of coffee “hotter than the sun.” About him, one of his sons remarked, “I aspire to be half the man he is,” and from his granddaughter came this tribute to her Pop: “We were so blessed that we were his.”
Remembering Jerry fondly now are his devoted wife Joan, their children and daughters in law: David & Jan, Paul, Daniel & Jean and Anna Marie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Also missing him are his grandchildren, including: Ryan (& Katie) Ledwig, Renae (& Ross) Mull, Angela (& Scott) Patz, Royce Ledwig, Brandonyant Richards (and fiancé Veronica Carlson), Colin Richards, Amelia Richards, Matthew Richards and Maggie (& Cory) Roughton . Jerry’s great-grandchildren also mark his passing; they are Charlesie Ledwig, Miles Mull, Davis Mull, Sarah (& Justin) Fry, Andrew Patz, Derek Patz, and Hannah Patz. Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Martha.
Join with us in celebrating the incomparable life of Jerry Ledwig, beginning with a Rosary service at 6pm on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Hillier Funeral Home of College Station, to be followed by Visitation and a time to share memories. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be held at 10am on Thursday, July 28th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station. Interment will be at the Aggie Field of Honor. His family greatly appreciates the care provided by the nursing staff and doctors Meade and Covington of Baylor Scott & White Hospital in College Station. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mary’s College Station Building Fund, Still Creek Ranch or Baylor Scott & White Foundation,
Rosary
JUL 27. 06:00 PM
Hillier Funeral Home - College Station
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX, US, 77845
wecare@hillierfh.com
Visitation
JUL 27. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Hillier Funeral Home - College Station
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX, US, 77845
wecare@hillierfh.com
Life Celebration
JUL 28. 10:00 AM
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
2541 SH 6 South
College Station, TX, US, 77845
Cemetery Details
Aggie Field of Honor
3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway
College Station, TX,
http://fieldofhonor.cstx.gov/index.as
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 845-7514
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