Dorothy E. “Dottie” Ludwig, 88, of Farley, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family following a sudden illness.

Visitation for Dottie will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. and the Farley Legion Auxiliary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Dottie will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Steven Garner presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

Born June 8, 1937, Dottie was the daughter of Mathilda and Serenus Harter. She received her education at Petersburg area schools. On June 4, 1957, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Ludwig at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Iowa, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, family, and plenty of shared memories.

Dottie held a variety of jobs throughout her life and retired from The Ertl Co. after 32 years, where she formed many lasting friendships, something she seemed to do effortlessly wherever she went. She had a gift for connection and never met a stranger, only future card partners or companions.

She found her greatest joy in the simple things: playing cards with family and friends, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and making her daily appearances at Delaney’s, so faithfully, that if she ever missed a day, she made sure to call in a replacement. Dottie also enjoyed trips to the casino, where she tried her luck and, more often than not, enjoyed the experience just as much as any winnings. She never turned down a chance for ice cream, especially when it meant sharing it with someone she loved.

A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Dottie was active in the Altar and Rosary Society, one of the starting members of the parish choir, Farley Garden Club and was also a member of the Farley American Legion Post #656. Her faith and community were important parts of her life.

Dottie is lovingly remembered by her children: Deb (Tom) Maiers; Sharon (Steve) Schroeder, both of Farley, IA; Ron “Tink” (Lee Ann) Ludwig of LaMotte, IA; Karen (Craig) Hoefler of New Vienna, IA; and Rick (Ann) Ludwig of Farley, IA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jeff (Lisa) Maiers, Matt (Michel) Maiers, Kurt (Bex) Maiers, and Kevin (Jenna) Maiers; Luke Schroeder (& Bethany), Brad (Nicole) Schroeder, and Lisa Schroeder; Travis (Brittany) Hoefler, Megan (Tony) Kluesner, and Dylan (Macy) Hoefler; and Sophie Ludwig, Robbie Ludwig, and Jude Ludwig (& Hailey), Brittney (Billy) Veach, Emily (Jake) Schmidt, Kalie (Tyler) Garien; along with 26 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings, Jane Oberbroeckling and Joe (Joan) Harter; and in-laws, Clara Harter, Kay Becker, Sharon Ludwig, and Wayne (Carol) Ludwig.

She was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Ludwig, her parents, Mathilda and Serenus Harter; twin grandsons in infancy Phillip and James Ludwig; her in-laws, Urban and Lucille Ludwig; her siblings, Henry Harter, Alice (Ralph) Digman, Elmer (Connie) Harter, and Bob (Lois) Ludwig; and her brothers-in-law, Tom Ludwig, Kenny Becker and Pete Oberbroeckling.

Dottie’s life was one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She will be remembered for her warm heart, her sharp wit, and her ability to bring people together, whether around a card table or surrounded by the family she loved most. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and her goddaughter, Angie Harter, for their compassionate care.