I attended the memorial service for William F. Ludwig II today.
The service was held at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, Il, a suburb just west of Chicago. The church was selected because it was where Mr. Ludwig and his wife Marguerite were married; it is where his children (son William F. Ludwig III, and daughter Brooke) were baptized and confirmed. The Chief enjoyed playing tympani here on Easter Sunday.
The vestibule of the church contained a display of photos and many of the amazing rope-tensioned marching drums from Mr. Ludwig's collection.
Upon entering the church - which was quite filled - I was handed a program of the service, a book of some of the remembrances friends and family sent to Bill III and Brooke, a copy of the obituary, and a 'prayer card' featuring a photo of The Chief and the following poem:
Don't grieve for me, for now I am free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of the day
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life has been full, I've savored much
Good friends, good times,
a loved one's touch
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free!
In a small loft above and left of the altar were the musicians: Organist, two trumpets, two trombones, and tympani.
Emotional remembrances were given by Brooke, Bill III, and Bill's young daughter Maggie Mae (The Chief's grand daughter). Bill III got a laugh when he asked: "Are there any drummers in the room?"
Brooke told us her father was very patriotic (he served in the Navy). He flew an American flag every day at their home. And when new neighbors moved into the area, her dad would give them an American flag as a welcome gift and encourage them to erect a flag pole (she said many of them did exactly that).
The sending hymn
Abide by Me featured the brass, tympani, and organist. When that hymn ended, several drummers, led by Bill III, took up places at the front of the church with the rope drums we all saw when we entered, and paraded down the aisle single file playing the snare drum piece
Three Camps. The drummers arrived at the back of the church and took up positions across the back while continuing to play.
At the conclusion of
Three Camps, with those in attendance facing the rear of the church, the trumpeters performed
Taps from the loft at the front of the church.
This was quite an emotional, and at times, humorous service. Very well planned, very well executed. Fitting for The Chief. I'm honored to have worked for him for the many years I was employed by Ludwig Drum Company, and I am equally honored to have had the opportunity to attend this memorial service.
