Ludwig Schaefer

Ludwig Schaefer, age 66, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. Born on May 2, 1959, in Bitburg, Germany, to Friedrich and Agnes (Lux) Schaefer, he spent the first thirty-five years of his life in Rittersdorf. He graduated from Internat Neuerburg, served two years in the German Army, and later earned his journeyman license in the electrical field before receiving his Meisterbrief degree from the Handwerkskammer in Oldenburg. He then worked in the family electrical business.

In 1989, Ludwig married Brenda (Knutti) Schaefer in Freeport, Illinois. Their daughter, Elisabeth Agnes, was born in 1991. In July 1994, the family moved to Freeport, where Ludwig built a successful career in the electrical field as a proud Union member. Known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, he was a man of deep faith who loved God and placed his family above all else. He was always ready to help others, enjoyed traveling the world, and was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Ludwig is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; his daughter, Elisabeth; and his toy poodle Louie, who knew him as PawPa. He is also survived by his brother, Rudi (Diana) Schaefer; his sisters, Elfie Bannes and Hiltrud (Theo) Hansen; brothers-in-law Doug Knutti and David (Wendy) Hagen; sisters-in-law Diana (Rudi) Schaefer and Karen (Tim) Davenport; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Clifford and Loretta Hagen and Benjamin Knutti; his brother-in-law Michael Bannes; and his sister-in-law Levina Meyers. Ludwig will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.