Ludwig “Luddie” “Zud” John Rigler
On the early morning of December 5th, 2017, Luddie passed away peacefully of natural causes. Luddie was being comforted by family members the evening of his passing at BeeHive Homes in Helena. Luddie was 94 years old. Luddie was born to John M. and Frances (Smith) Rigler August 18, 1923, in East Helena, Montana. He spent his entire life in this community.
He first attended St. Ann’s Parish and graduated with the 8th grade class of 1937, the only boy in his class with five girls. In the fall of 1937, Luddie attended Helena High School and graduated in 1941. He went to work as a bookkeeper for the Western Life Insurance Company but had worked for the company part time since 8th grade.
During World War II he was drafted into the army in 1943 and went to Sam Houston Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas to become a clerk in the Army. His next assignment was at Camp Lee, Virginia. On December 21, 1943 he boarded the Queen Mary headed for England, where he spent 9 months with General Eisenhower’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. About two weeks after the invasion of France by Allied Forces, they landed at St. Lo France. From there they worked their way to Frankfurt Germany and then on to Luxembourg, where his unit was stationed near the front lines and then to Belgium. They sailed back to the United States in December 1945 and he received his honorable discharge.
Every night while Luddie was gone, his sister Lucy and her family would pray the Rosary for his safe return. Luddie was a father figure for Lucy and she fondly remembers the letters he’d write. Luddie teased Lucy telling her that he wasn’t coming home unless she quit biting her fingernails. When Luddie did get back, right way he said, “Hey, I see you’ve got some nice long fingernails!”
During the Korean Conflict, he joined the United States Air Force Reserve and was stationed in Great Falls for a year. Upon his return to East Helena, Montana he began his employment with the Internal Revenue Service in Helena, retiring in 1978 with 30 years of service.
He was a member of Cory-Dullum Post VFW 10010, American Legion Post #2, American Fraternal Union, and S.N.P.J Lodge 207. He was given the Silver Legacy of Life membership award of the Cory-Dullum Post VFW 10010. He was a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross and generously donated 134 pints of blood.
It was during his favorite hobby of bowling where Luddie met his beautiful wife Lois Duel, a widow from East Helena, with three handsome boys; Larry, Roger and David. They were happily married May 7, 1966, when Lois’s youngest son was 14 years old. Luddie endeared himself to the boys and eventually became “Grandpa” to their children.
Luddie had many hobbies including being an avid baseball fan (in which the New York Yankees were his all-time favorite team), building electronic radios, bowling, crossword puzzles, riding his bicycle, and collecting/recycling aluminum cans.
Of all the hobbies he enjoyed the most, his favorite would have been, watching and attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. Rain, snow, sleet, hail or scorching heat “Grandpa” was sitting in the stands supporting all of them without a complaint. He loved it! You would often see him with multiple sport buttons showing how proud he was of all of them.
Throughout Luddie’s 94 years he made very special memories and was so close to his family and friends. His son David and wife Nancy created a bond with him that could never be broken. The love he shared with the Duel Family was shown in his daily activities such as picking up the mail, and making the rounds to each family’s homes to visit; delivering treats and necessities that he thoughtfully purchased such as laundry soap and milk. Always treating the dogs along the way too!
Some of the most-fond shared memories include; Grandpas apple pies, breakfast at Smiths Bar, Monday night dinners that he cooked for his family, taking and picking up grandchildren and great-grandchildren from school, breakfast in bed in which he served on tv-trays, daily cribbage games, Fourth of July fireworks, his 93rd birthday trip to Seattle to watch the Yankees vs. Mariners game, and always jokingly fighting over who was picking up the meal tab. Sweet cakes and endless ice cream treats, hilarious grocery shopping trips, long early morning talks and home-made BBQ topped off the moments that will never be forgotten.
The community will remember “Zud” riding his bicycle through the town of East Helena, picking up aluminum cans for recycling, volunteering for yearly VFW Easter Egg Hunts, enjoying family and friends over a Rainier beer (that had to have a head on it), participating in the many parades (Grand Marshall of the East Helena Rodeo Parade in 2015), and worshiping at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church with his sister Lucy.
Luddie was the most generous, kind-hearted, loving, caretaking, and unselfish man we have ever known. Truly an angel on earth who made everyone he touched feel special and loved.
Luddie is survived by his: sister Lucille (Mike) Stump and several nieces and nephews; sons Roger Duel and Dave (Nancy) Duel; daughter-in-law Barbara Duel; grandchildren, Kimberly (Vince) Williams, Samantha (Cass) Mongoven, Tabatha (Kasey) Reisbeck, Sharmian (Richie) Homan, Courtney (John) Mentzer, Rebekah (Charles) Aber, Brian (Jeanine) Duel, Ryan (Janell) Duel, Lindsey Duel; great-grandchildren, Shelby Williams, Justin Williams, Payton Mongoven, Macrae Mongoven, Taylor (fiancé Cory Allen) Reisbeck, Tucker Reisbeck, Walker Reisbeck, Kellyanne Brown, Isabella Homan, Carson Mentzer, Jonathon Mentzer and Olive Riquelme.
Luddie was preceded in death by: parents John M. Rigler, Frances (Smith) Rigler; brother Charles “Zip” (Iris) Rigler; his wife Lois C. (Duel) Rigler; son Larry Duel.
A Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a Vigil Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs, East Helena, with a viewing to start at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be held at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena immediately after the Mass. A Reception will follow the burial at the VFW Post 10010, 113 W Main St. in East Helena.
To honor Luddie’s love of the New York Yankees and sports, please feel free to attend the funeral sporting your favorite team jersey or sports memento.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice and BeeHive Homes of Helena for their love and care. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Luddie.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday December 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday December 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday December 12, 2017
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Tuesday December 12, 2017
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
After the Burial
Tuesday December 12, 2017
VFW Post 10010
113 W Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday December 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday December 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday December 12, 2017
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Tuesday December 12, 2017
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
After the Burial
Tuesday December 12, 2017
VFW Post 10010
113 W Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Rebekah Aber says
When I first met my Dad’s family in East Helena, Montana, I met Grandpa Ludie. He was so inviting and warm to me. My only wish is that I could have spent more time with him. Rest in Peace.
Barb Klein says
It was a pleasure to work with Luddie on activities with the VFW Post and Auxiliary . He was always willing to do anything he was asked to do. Thank Luddie for everything you did. And thank you for your service.
Terri Maness Norman says
My thoughts are prayers are with all of you. Luddie was an East Helena icon who will be missed by all who knew him!
Greta Matrisciano says
My thoughts and Prayers to the family. I met Zud in his late 70’s at the VFW. He could never remember my name so he had a slip in his pocket with my name on it, for the first year he would sneak a peek at his cheat sheet. It was very sweet. Every Time I saw him with “the Boy’s” having his beer I would give him and hug and kiss. He always had such a wonderful smile on his face. I use to sit and chat with him, he would tell me the funniest stories. I was truly blessed meeting this man and I like to say being his friend. You have honestly touch my life and my heart. May you RIP.
I love you Zud. Thank you for letting me apart of your life, even if for a short time. Love Always, as you would say… “Your Greta” (once you remember my name.)
Christine Foster says
His pies were the best , I loved all the stories about him from my friend Kim. A true grampa! ? loved by everyone!
Curtis Stanghill says
Many prayers for the Rigler Family. Great East Helena memories.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Dear Lucy and Rigler Family, We were saddened to hear of Luddie passing. Thughts and prayers to you.
Your friends, Leon and Marsha Belville
Shelly Burns says
We are thinking of Grandpa Luddie tonight and wishing we could be there in Helena to say goodbye. We have been blessed to spend time with Grandpa and his family on many occasions including ball games, camping trips, and family cookouts. Luddie could always be counted on to have a big smile and hello for all of us. Luddie was such a wonderful man, Dad and Grandpa! I hope he is in Heaven watching the ball game and enjoying a cold one!
Love to all his family,
Dan, Shelly, Gunnar, Carson and Briana Burns
Lisa DeGroat Goodrich says
Sending love to all the family. Thankful for the love you shared and the memories that will carry you through the mourning. Our condolences. Love you.
Mary Brydich says
Lucy, Dave and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Zud so well from my years in East Helena and through the VFW. I especially remember him riding his bicycle around town and doing my parent’s taxes every year. He was a wonderful man and veteran. I know you will miss him. Thinking of you at this difficult time.