Ludwig Schaefer, age 66, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. He was born on May 2, 1959, in Bitburg, Germany, to Friedrich and Agnes (Lux) Schaefer.

Ludwig married Brenda (Knutti) Schaefer on November 4, 1989, in Freeport, Illinois. Together they built a loving life and were blessed with their daughter, Elisabeth Agnes, in 1991.

Ludwig spent the first thirty-five years of his life in Rittersdorf, Germany. He graduated from Internat Neuerburg and went on to serve two years in the German Army. Following his military service, he attended trade school and earned his journeyman license in the electrical field. He later continued his education and received his Meisterbrief degree from the Handwerkskammer in Oldenburg, Germany, after which he began working in the family electrical business.

In July of 1994, Ludwig and his family moved to Freeport, Illinois, his wife’s hometown. Here he had a successful career in the electrical field as a proud Union member. He was known for a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft.

Ludwig was a man of deep faith who loved God and cherished his family above all else. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others and enjoyed traveling the world. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; his daughter, Elisabeth and 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-laws Diana (Rudi) Schaefer, 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.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, with Pastor Shellie Knight officiating. A visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, Illinois.

A memorial has been established for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Ludwig will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.