Ludwig C. De Kok

Ludwig C. De Kok, 86, of Sioux City passed away Monday, May 12, 2008, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 9 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Rev. Craig A. Collison officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Navy. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Ludwig was born June 9, 1921, in Sioux City, to Ferdinand C. and Ursula (Breitner) De Kok. Following his graduation from high school, he married the love of his life, Luella Mae Wright, on Sept. 27, 1940, in Dakota City.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aviation electrician's mate until his honorable discharge in November 1945. He returned to Sioux City, where he worked for ADT Security for 40 years as a security system specialist.

While an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, he served as an usher at Mass and helped with church dinners. He was a past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10188 in Tucson, Ariz., and a current member of the American Legion in Tucson. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1973 in Sioux City, where he greatly enjoyed the companionship that the veterans offered. He enjoyed dancing, music, weekly poker games and collecting coins and clowns. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children and spouses, Winifred and Bryan Arneson of Sioux City, Judy and Stanley Hill of Aurora, Colo., and D.M. De Kok of Sioux City; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a dear friend, Layla Downey of Correctionville, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Luella Mae in 1976; sons, Dennis A. De Kok and Michael E. De Kok; his stepfather, Lawrence Schultz; brothers, Ferdinand De Kok and Ludwig's twin brother, Cornelius L. De Kok; a half brother, Clifford Schultz; and a sister, Josephine W. Mentzer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.