Russell E. Ludwig, 84, died Jan. 21, 2021, at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.  Russell was born Feb. 8, 1936, in Rawson to the late Paul and Vera (Painter) Ludwig. On Jan. 4, 1955, he married Mary Ellen Burkholder and she survives. 

Russell graduated from Cory-Rawson High School. He worked at and retired from Ex-Cello Corporation in Bluffton where he had been a machinist. Russell enjoyed working with wood doing crafts. 

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen Ludwig of Findlay; three sons, Rodney (Regina) Ludwig of Findlay, Jeffery (Diana) Ludwig of Bluffton, Kevin (fiancé Laurie Sealscott) Ludwig of Bluffton; six grandchildren, Jennifer Ludwig, Ryan Ludwig, Kelli (Ryan) Burkholder, Daniel (Jean) Ludwig, Terri Elsea, Brooke Ludwig; 12 great-grandchildren, Jesse (Jasmine) Ludwig, Isaiah Leeper, Oaklie Ludwig, Kaitlyn Burkholder, Matthew Burkholder, Grace Burkholder, Becca Ludwig, Carrie Ludwig, Daulten Ludwig, Elliana Ludwig, Brock Elsea, Claire Elsea and Natalie Elsea; and Joanna Mauricio; three great-great grandchildren, Grayson Ludwig, Walker Ludwig and Quincy Forte; two brothers, James Ludwig of Defiance, Robert Ludwig of Lima and a sister, Kay Breitigan of Benton Ridge.

Russell was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Wayne Ludwig.

Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, January 25, 2021 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton. Pastor John Amstutz officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery following the service.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2 - 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.