John Joseph Ludwiczak

John Joseph Ludwiczak, 78, of Alpena passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Turning Brook.

John was born June 5, 1944, in Alpena to the late Edmund and Bessie (Reiser) Ludwiczak. He graduated from Catholic Central in 1962. John served in the United States Army from 1965-1968 and for most of that time as a military police officer in Munich, Germany. He worked as a police officer for the City of Alpena for 34 years, finally retiring in 2002. During his career, John was also a D.A.R.E officer for Alpena public & parochial schools. He was known to many local kids as “Officer John” and it wasn’t uncommon to find him on the playground with the students, playing jump rope or tossing a ball. John was a teacher at heart and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to share his knowledge with his D.A.R.E students. He was well loved and respected by his community and always took the time to stop and talk with his friends and acquaintances alike. John was a member of All Saints Parish, Exchange Club, and Alpena F.O.P.

Throughout the years, John enjoyed playing softball, hockey, golf, and loved camping, hunting and snowmobiling. He had a great love for the Detroit Tigers and rarely missed a game. After retirement, John became an avid motorcyclist, which included taking a trip across the country to the state of Washington with his riding buddies. He had a passion for playing cards and never turned down a good game! His thoughtfulness extended well beyond his family to friends, co-workers and neighbors, as he never forgot birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. John’s greatest joy in life, however, was his family. He instilled in his three girls the value of hard work, taking time for making memories and cherishing relationships.

Surviving are his three daughters, Paula (Aaron) Colman, Kristin (John) Gall, Joanna (David) Szejbach; five grandchildren, Emily Sabourin, Adam Sabourin, Jordan Sabourin, Abigail Sabourin, Lincoln Gall; special friend, Carol Golbeck; three siblings, Ed (Barbara) Ludwiczak, Diana (Ron) Carson, Steve (Brenda) Ludwiczak; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will take place Thursday at Bannan Funeral Home from 2-8 p.m. with military honors accorded him by Alpena V.F.W. Post 2496 at 5 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Memorial visitation will continue Friday at St. Mary Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating.

John’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Hospice of Michigan and Turning Brook Assisted Living.

Inurnment: Holy Cross Cemetery
Memorials: Hospice of Michigan or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital