Joseph "Freddy" Fredrick Ludwig II

Joseph “Freddy” Fredrick Ludwig II, 77, of Mound, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2026, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Born on March 19, 1948, in Littlefork, Minnesota, to Joe and Esther (Heiberg) Ludwig, he graduated from Falls High School in 1966 and attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. A lifelong wanderer with an easy smile and a gift for making friends, Joseph finally put down roots on Lake Minnetonka after meeting his wife, Beverly, and welcoming their only child, Rachel.

He cherished summers at the family cabin on Kawawia Island on Rainy Lake, where he created countless memories with those he loved. After Beverly’s passing in 2017, he divided his time between Playa del Carmen during the colder months and his beloved Rainy Lake each summer. Above all, Joseph adored his daughter Rachel, whom he considered his greatest accomplishment, and his granddaughter Linden, who was the light of his life. He took great joy in being a father and father figure, and many knew him simply and affectionately as “Papa.”

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Ludwig; his parents, Joe and Esther Ludwig; and his sister, Janice McClanahan. He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Ludwig; step-daughter, Kimberly VanLaanen; grandchildren, Linden Olson, Emma Johnson, and Natalie Johnson; great-grandchild, Wrenley Walls; sister, Renae Maloney; nieces, Pauli Evenson, Melissa (Ben) Maloney, and Sara Johnson; and nephews, Ryan Maloney and Chad Johnson. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2026.