Obituary of David D. Ludwig "Yogi" Sr. , 75

David D. "Yogi" Ludwig, Sr., 75, of Clarence, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at his home of natural causes. Born on July 23, 1934, in Clarence, Yogi was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Kachik Ludwig. On March 3, 1962, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Clarence, he married Barbara A. Ceprish who survives at home.

Yogi was a 1953 graduate of the Snow Shoe High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He also was a catcher for the Clarence Baseball Team. He was a member of the State Runner Up American Legion Baseball team in the 50's. He was a member of the Queen of Archangel Parish in Clarence, an active member in the Knights of Columbus, a past member of the American Legion Post 813 in Clarence and a past member of the Snow Shoe Lions Club.

He was a PFC in the US Army right after the Korean Conflict. He was in the 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry, stationed in Alaska. For his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Metal. In the late 60's, Yogi was employed by the Steel Mill in Ohio. Then he opened and operated his own hardware store in Ohio. In the early 80's, he returned to Clarence and was employed by the Waste Water Treatment Facility in Bellefonte. He also owned and operated Ludwig's Country Store in Clarence. At the age of 62, Yogi semi-retired, but remained working as a handy man of all odd jobs on the Mt. Top and surrounding areas. He was a man of many talents and interest. He enjoyed watching sporting events on TV, was an avid Penn State fan, attending his grandchildren's sporting events and their activities, loved to clip coupons, playing the lottery, and visiting his children. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his grandchildren, to which he was very proud of each and every one. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Yogi is survived by his wife; his son, David D. Ludwig Jr. (Billie Jo), of Clarence; his three daughters, Tina M. Maney (Dane), of Clarence, Mary Ann M. Couteret (Larry), of Karthaus, and Barbara A. Mitchell (Jared), of Snow Shoe; 17 grandchildren, Michael, Mark, Scott and Ashley Maney, Jimmy Brooks, Marissa and David Ludwig III, Jamie Baxter, Janelle, Janene, and Joseph Couteret, Matt Corl, Kelly Shoemaker, Jared, Jasa, Melinda, and Kimber Mitchell; and by one great grandchild, Cameron Corl-Alton. Also surviving are his two sisters, Betsy Tirch, of Clarence, & Martha Yearick, of Salona; and one brother, Albert Ludwig, of Levittown. In addition to his parents, Yogi was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Edward, and Robert; and four sisters, Catherine Drapcho, Pauline Sayers, Helen Stehman, and Marie Young.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Queen of Archangel Parish in Clarence with Father Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will follow, with full military honors, at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Snow Shoe Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore St., Snow Shoe, PA 16874. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com