August 4, 1966 - October 4, 2026
Born in Le Mars, Iowa
Resided in Waukee
Matthew (Matt) Ludwig passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his four siblings: Beth Ludwig, John (Laura), Bill (Sue), and Nicky (Tom) Cooney, his dear friends Steve, Randy and countless others, his sweet precocious pup, Quinn, 13 nieces and nephews: Cole (Nicole), Zeth (Sarah), Kyle (Ashley), Joe (Emma), Amanda, Sydney, Michael, Jacob, Hannah, Lindsey, Trevor, Tyler (Jayda), and Molly, great nephew Archie and great niece Collins all of which earned him the tag “FUM” Favorite Uncle Matt. Matt is also survived by the Rolfes and Ludwig aunts, uncles and cousins.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Jeannie, infant siblings Mary and Tom, grandparents Frank and Harriet Ludwig, Joseph and Rose Rolfes, nephew Brandon.
Matt could be described as sensitive, inquisitive, dedicated and fun-loving. Matt (Mr. Ludwig) was very committed to his career in Education which took him from classroom teacher, to principal, to influencing education across the state of Iowa through the Department of Education. Once he retired from Education he discovered a second career passion along with a whole new team that along the way became not just colleagues but also great friends. Together this team, through Matt’s influence and example, served and taught HyVee Wine and Spirits customers how to select appropriate beverages for any occasion. He collaborated with his friends in food services to create food and beverage paired parties, always helping people celebrate life. Matt took the “simple” wherever he went and made it into a gathering that became an amazing memory for everyone who was lucky enough to be in that moment.
Memorials may be directed to one of Matt’s favorite charities AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport.
According to Matt’s wishes he was cremated and we will celebrate his life on Saturday October 17, 2026:
St. Peter Lutheran Church
1001 S. James Street
Grimes, IA 50111
Visitation with Family and Friends: 9:00 am – 11:00am
Memorial Service: 11:00am
A luncheon will follow the Memorial Service.
Matt’s cremains will be laid to rest at a later date at the family burial site.
Forever true
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.
Our condolences to Matt”s family and friends. My wife and I met Matt at Hy-Vee and learned that we lived in the same townhouse community. We didn’t know Matt very long but because of his wonderful personality we became fast friends. God speed Matt
Really sad to hear this.. Matt you were a great classmate and I know you will be missed by the people you touched!! May God welcome you with open arms my friend..
One of my favorite co workers for sure! always had a smile and something to say to me. will be missed dearly. hopefully you went straight up and were met by open arms of god.
Nicky, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Many prayers for your entire family.
It was always a special bonus when Matt was around any gatherings. He will be missed by many people. Our love and sympathy go out to his family.
A sad day indeed to lose a great man and friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to family and all those who knew and loved Matt.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Kim and I still live in the former Ludwig Odebolt home. He was might right hand man as a basketball manager. Then a colleague and most of all a friend. What a great guy.
Matt was a great influence on all 3 of my children. We are all so sad to here of his passing. I enjoyed seeing his posts. It was like catching up with a old friend.
As a classmate Matt was nice to everyone. He will be missed.
Oh Matt, you left us too early. You will be in my heart forever. To all of his family and friends, Never a time went by when I saw Matt that he didn’t talk about all of you and the joy and goodness you brought to him.
I am Matt’s hairstylist I am so saddened to hear this news we had bonded very much in the last 3 years we visited every three weeks talking about spirits and looking and pictures of his trips and his house he truly became someone I looked forward to seeing. He was a special person and I am honored that I had the privilege of knowing him.
My sympathy to his family. As a kid I thought he was the coolest guy in the world! To think, a teacher in the upper elementary knew my name in the lower elementary!? I was amazed! As an adult I ran into him and told him that. When I introduced myself, he was so kind and enthusiastic about talking to me. He was a treasure.
Matt was such a kind lovable man. I became a friend thru the Gilbert’s in CO and my visits back to Iowa. Always loved spending time with him. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
The video certainly captured how Matt made so many people laugh, love and smile. Such a gift to everyone who had the joy of knowing him.
Matt was a dear friend to our family. A wonderful student and later colleague to my mom, Cindy. He was a teacher to me (one of my favorites), and he later worked with my aunt Judy in Ames. We will all remember him as kind, compassionate, and fun. His memory is a gift for all who knew him.
Matt was a dear friend to our family and especially Grandma Myrt and I was SO happy to see a picture of them in the video. Made me cry. What a wonderful man he was. Friend, brother, teacher, uncle, dog dad, and so much more. Seems like he grabbed life. I loved him. Marj.
Sending my deepest love and condolences to the whole family. Though the miles kept us from being as close as I would have liked, Matt will always hold a special place in our family’s history and hearts. The tribute video on here is absolutely beautiful and truly shows what a wonderful soul he was. Keeping you all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Sandy Jarmer
Went to HyVee today and you weren’t there. Then read the sign of your passing. Such a shock! I will miss your friendly chatter. I do know that where you are today you are making many new friends and reuniting with old ones. Peace my friend.
My deepest sympathies to Matt’s siblings and family. So hard to see a beautiful soul leave us way too soon.
Many fun memories of Matt’s OA days and the laughs and smiles he brought. So good to see that same smile, laughter and friendships followed you wherever you went.
Rest easy my friend and cheers to”Padre Matt”
( if ya know, ya know
Condolences to Matt”s family. He was such an inspiration to Mary and myself. We lived in the same condo complex and of course our Hy/Vee wine expert. Always a smile and a joke. He will be remembered and missed. He truly was a good man. God speed friend.
Matt was such a kind and caring person. We dated briefly in 2006 if my memory serves me correctly. I think if circumstances had been different, it might have been forever. Rest in peace my friend.
Matt was a friend and coworker. Will miss his smiles and humor.
Guaranteed delivery before Matthew's memorial service begins.
St. Peter Lutheran Church
1001 South James Street, P.O. Box 95
Grimes, IA 50111
St. Peter Lutheran Church
1001 South James Street, P.O. Box 95
Grimes, IA 50111
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