George E. Ludkowski, 71, dear husband and friend of Lillian Duty Ludkowski for 50 years, father of their beloved son Christopher G. Ludkowski, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was enjoying lunch out at a restaurant with his two best friends, Russell and Mickey, on Thursday, May 29, when George choked on his meal. Despite outstanding efforts to revive and treat him, his prognosis indicated he would never recover. Life support was withdrawn and our George died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and his truest friends.

George Edward was born to Shirley M. Flaherty Ludkowski and Edward I. Ludkowski on August 13, 1953 at St. Anne Hospital in Chicago. He was named after his grandfather and his father. Both of his parents, as well as his sister Mary Ludkowski Anthony and his brother Ray R. Ludkowski, preceded him in death. His brother Bob Ludkowski and sister-in-law Betty Ludkowski, along with many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews survive and will miss their younger brother and Uncle George.

George went to St. Mel School for a few years and then transferred to St. Viator for the remaining years of elementary school. George was active in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed many camping trips, Pinewood Derbys, and raising funds for the troop at Pancake Breakfasts.

George's fondest memories from his teen years were working at the Sand Bay Beach Resort in Sturgeon Bay, WI. He would work from the beginning of the summer until the Labor Day Weekend for Bill and Ingrid Stroschein. He also made two lifelong friends, Greg and Mickey. George was able to visit with Greg and Ingrid last August and they had a wonderful time reminiscing about the glory days on the resort.

After leaving Schurz High School, George worked at AJ Johnson and Company with his father. This paved the way for George to develop his skills as master woodworker and craftsman. This man could take a few pieces of wood and turn them into breathtaking floors or pieces of one of a kind furniture. He designed and made custom hardwood floors for Birger Juell Floors, and eventually established a partnership to form a custom hardwood flooring company, Timeless Wood Flooring. Clients included Oprah Winfrey and the Smithsonian.

When George wasn't working, he was a devoted family man. He happily coached Chris's T Ball team and imparted his love of bowling to Chris as well. George was a member of many bowling teams and leagues for at least 40 years, He and Chris coached youth bowling in Niles as well. Chris took piano, trombone and viola lessons and George took him back and forth to all his lessons while Lill was earning advanced degrees at night. Chris and George also enjoyed shooting pool together. His family loved swimming in their backyard pool as much as possible in the summer. George kept it meticulously clean. George always stayed committed to whatever task he was performing until it met his high standards.

George was a diehard fan of the White Sox, the Blackhawks and the Bears. He was ecstatic when the Bears won the Superbowl in 1986 and overjoyed when the Sox won the World Series in 2005. George and Chris shared a passion for the Hawks and celebrated with excitement when they won the Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. George loved going to Sox and Hawks games and watching all three teams on television.

Speaking of television, George enjoyed sitting back and relaxing while watching his favorite programs. George was receiving kidney dialysis during the last three years, and he watched television during his treatments. He was unwell afterward, so he depended on watching TV while his was recovering. Recent favorites included Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Walking Dead, Antiques Roadshow, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Yellowstone, Big Brother, the White Lotus and all the Saturday cooking shows on PBS . He also enjoyed watching The Price is Right, but his favorite daytime show was the Maury Povich Show. He laughed heartily when Maury announced, "You ARE the father!" to his guests.

George loved his dogs with all his heart. His first dog was Kojak, a Doberman Pinscher. Many years after Kojak passed, he rescued Buddy, a Maltese, and then added Joey and Molly, Yorkies, to his life. He would walk all three at the same time, and he would get confused looks by passersby. It was quite a sight to see this big man walking three little dogs. Those lovely little creatures brought much joy to his life. Molly is feeling his loss. One of Lill and George's favorite activities was sitting out in their backyard, sipping coffee or a cold drink, and bird watching while their dogs frolicked.

George was a good man and would do anything for his loved ones if it was within his power to do so. He was devoted to his family and friends. He was not a man to mince words and he would tell you exactly what he thought. He was also quick to forgive and didn't hold a grudge. He had a great sense of humor and was in his element in a large group shooting the breeze.

His family and friends are better for having known and loved him during lives. His their passing has left them bereft. They take comfort in knowing that he will remain with them in their memories and in their hearts for as long as they live. We love you, George, and will continue to do so until we, too, leave the earth.

Memorial Visitation, Saturday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service and time of sharing and remembrance, 2:00 p.m., at The Elms Funeral Home, 7600 W. Grand Ave. Elmwood Park, IL 60707.

For information, 708-453-1234.