Madonna L. Ludovissy, age 83, of North Buena Vista, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Madonna’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Church, North Buena Vista, with Rev. Marvin J. Bries officiating. To celebrate Madonna’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, July 20, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, and from 10:00 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Madonna was born on December 5, 1934, in North Buena Vista, Iowa, daughter of Aloysius and Evelyn (Felder) Riniker.

Madonna was born and raised in Buenie, surrounded by her family and friends daily all while learning the most important values in life. She would eventually cross paths with her soul-mate, Clarence C. Ludovissy, and the couple was united in marriage on September 21, 1954, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Buena Vista. The two were blessed with 58 wonderful years together, and 8 adored children, before he was called home ahead of her on December 26, 2012. Madonna was a loving and devoted full-time wife and mother, who took meticulous care of her family and their home. Madonna had a strong work ethic, and after the children were raised and out on their own, she would put her numerous talents to good use outside of the home at many community establishments and mainstays. Madonna’s faith was a very important aspect of her life and was constantly on display for all to see. She was a life-long member of the Immaculate Conception Church and their Rosary Society; and was also a determined staple in the parish, always lending a hand whenever possible. In her free time, Madonna could easily be found out in the yard tending to her colorful flower gardens on the farm, heading to the church on Tuesdays to work on her next quilting or craft project, or occasionally even trying her luck with the “one-armed bandits” at the local casinos. Madonna was well known for her “heavy foot” and undeniable love of car rides and traveling. If anyone was heading out on a trip, she always volunteered without hesitation to jump in the car and eagerly ride along. She was also a joy-filled person, and without a doubt, her greatest joyful moments came during the opportunities she was able to spend time with her family, especially if the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in the mix somewhere. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our wonderful mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great grandma, sister and friend, but we know that she is now happily reunited with her beloved husband, Clarence, their son, Dana, and all of their family members who’ve been called home ahead of them. We will miss her more than words could ever possibly convey, but we are forever grateful for the 83 years the Lord was kind enough to share Madonna with us, and the beautiful memories she leaves behind.

Those left to cherish Madonna’s memory include

her children,
Dale (Kathy) Ludovissy, Dubuque, IA,
Robin (Rose) Ludovissy, Holy Cross, IA,
Neal (Sandy) Ludovissy, Peosta, IA,
Jan Ludovissy, Dubuque, IA,
Terry Ludovissy, Guttenberg, IA,
Dawn (Scott) Ferguson, Center Point, IA
and Denise (Colin) Grafft, Solon, IA;

her 16 grandchildren,
Danielle (Jason) Sadewasser, Theresa Ludovissy, Joe (Chris) Dudek, Melissa (Jeff) Domeyer, Tracy (Terry Gotto) Ludovissy, Heidi (Nick) Gansen, Joe Ludovissy, Jon Ludovissy, Levi Ludovissy, Justin (Melissa) Ludovissy, Truman Ferguson, Samantha (Jared Jirak) Ferguson, Andrea Ferguson, Docker Ferguson, Finnegan Grafft and Blake Grafft;

20 great-grandchildren,
Ethan and Natalia Sadewasser, Cassandra Siegert, Michaela and Katelyn Ward, Will, Jake, Keeley and Elijah Hammel, Anthony Dudek, Quinton Kelley, Cole, Evan and Cooper Domeyer, Caden, Riley and Max Gotto, Delila Ludovissy and Baylen and Kylie Ludovissy;

2 great-great-grandchildren,
Jessie Johnson and Croix Kaiser;

her sisters,
Joanne Hefel, North Buena Vista, IA,
Jeanette Ludovissy, North Buena Vista, IA
and LaVonne Coyle, Epworth, IA;

and her sisters-in-law,
Joan Riniker, Dubuque, IA,
Mary Engling, North Buena Vista, IA,
Louise Ludovissy, Guttenberg, IA
and Laurie Ludovissy, North Buena Vista, IA.

Madonna was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Clarence Ludovissy; a son, Dana Ludovissy; 2 sisters, Geraldine (Tom) Hefel and Ivanelle (Celestine) Ludovissy, 2 brothers, Walter Frank (Judy) Riniker, and Aloysius “Junior” Riniker; 6 brothers-in-law, Mickey Hefel, Merlin Ludovissy, Robert “Bob” Coyle, Ronald Engling, Francis “Duke” Ludovissy and Walter Ludovissy; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Ludovissy.

The family would like to send their sincerest appreciation to Mary Eulberg and her staff at River Living Center; all the care providers at the Guttenberg Cornerstone Family Practice and Hospital; to Dr. Kyle Brown and Roxanne at UIHC; and a special thank you to Mary Engling for all of her love and care over the years.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com