Lee R. Ladwig

Lee Roger Ladwig, 72, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after several years of living with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on March 7, 1953, in Green Lake, Wisconsin, the son of Roger and Marion (Gelhar) Ladwig. Lee was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Berlin, Wisconsin, and graduated from Berlin High School in 1971. On June 12, 1976, he married Diane Neuman at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manchester WI, beginning their life together in St. Louis. After moving back to Wisconsin, they were both longtime members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Lee grew up on a family farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. From daily chores to caring for animals and tending the land, farm life shaped his strong work ethic. During his youth, he was active in 4-H and wrestling. He carried that dedication into his education, earning his master’s degree in engineering from UW–Madison in 1976 earning patents for adaptive digital control of DC motors. He devoted many years of loyal service to Giddings & Lewis. Lee was known for his strong problem-solving ability and the pride he took in his work. Most mornings before work, he could be found at the local swimming pool doing laps. Throughout his life, Lee maintained a deep connection to the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing, and especially took pride in processing and preparing wild game to share with his family. Lee cherished time with his family. He loved gatherings filled with laughter and storytelling. He attended all his children’s activities while they were growing up and was proud of their accomplishments. In later years, Lee enjoyed grandkids visiting. Lee is survived by his children: Joanne (Angelo) Viard, Julie (David) Hanson, Jason (Valerie) Ladwig, and Jeff (Abbey) Ladwig; his grandchildren: Sebastian, Evan, and Jayden Viard; Alice, Walter, Conrad, and Preston Hanson; Sage and Aspen Ladwig; and Lily, Archer, Griffin, and Winston Ladwig; his sister, Luann Ladwig; his brothers-in-law: Wayne (Marlene) Neuman, Allan (Dawn) Neuman, and Darrell “Buzz” (Vicky) Neuman; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Ladwig; his brother Loren Ladwig; his parents, Roger and Marion Ladwig; his father- and mother-in-law, Milton and Maxine Neuman; his uncle, Gene Ladwig; and cousins Donny Ladwig and Orin and Dennis Gelhar. The family wishes to express gratitude to staff of Home Helpers for support and care of Lee the last few months. Visitation for Lee will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 606 Forest Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Rathje officiating. Following lunch, interment will take place at the Bluffton Cemetery in the Town of Brooklyn.

Lee R. Ladwig

March 7, 1953 - February 22, 2026