Ludwig Kalbrunner

Ludwig and his twin sister, Eugenie, were born to Maria and Mathias Kalbrunner on January 5, 1934, in the small town of Ruhpolding in Bavaria, Germany. They had an older brother, Hermann, and the three children were very close. In Ludwig’s words, there was not much to do but play soccer or music. So, Ludwig mastered both, receiving certification in Music from Mozarteum from zither instructor Franz Bandlhofer and as Pastry Chef in 1951.

 In 1954, he married Marguerite, a German American who had been vacationing in Ruhpolding, and moved to the U.S.A. They were blessed with a son, Karl.

Life in America started in Gary, IN in Dec. 1954, but soon he moved to Lake County, IL. Ludwig worked at various jobs, ice cream factory, printer press, but also played his zither at restaurants and German events. He became full time entertainer at The Northern Chalet in Libertyville in 1970, until its closing 1989, and stayed on with the new owners until 1995, playing his zither and singing. He recorded seven albums and made many CD’s. To fill his days, he worked at Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts in Lake Forest starting around 2003, performing various tasks, mainly driving the delivery truck, even using his training as a pastry chef from back in Germany.

Ludwig was involved in activities at church, going to Bible study, Faith Sharing and attending daily Mass.

He made friends easily and was loved by many. He is remembered by all for his big smile and his gifting everyone he met with one, or two or more, of his zither CD’s.

Ludwig’s health started to decline last December 2023, when he caught Covid and a severe brain fog set in where he needed to be placed into assisted living at Libertyville Manor.  His condo neighbors and friends all helped out during this crucial period.  He had a major stroke May 1st where he lost his mobility and speech and had trouble swallowing.  He was last at Hillcrest nursing home for rehabilitation and long-term care.

Ludwig’s son, Karl, passed away in 2016. He is survived by his granddaughter, Andrea Kalbrunner, great-grandchildren, Mary, Taylor, Joseph and Jacob, and great-great-grandson, Oakley.  He had an extended family consisting of many dear friends.

A memorial visitation will take place Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 8:30 am - 9:30 am, with a memorial mass at 9:30 am, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, IL with Rev. Joe Curtis officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the memorial mass in the lower level of the church. Interment is private. Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. Please sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; for more information, please call 847-571-7719.

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