Erik Ludwinski

Erik Paul Ludwinski, 24, of Park Rapids, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 at University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital after a valiant battle against the childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

Erik is survived by his parents, Paul and Donna (Huyge) Ludwinski of Park Rapids; siblings, Karl (Raeanne), Lesa, and Aron; grandparents, Hillaire and Louisa Huyge of Laporte; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Erik was born March 19, 1985 in Oakland, Calif. and lived with his Air Force family in California, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Colorado before his father retired and they moved to Park Rapids in 1998.

A 2003 home school graduate from Park Rapids, Erik attended North Dakota State University two years to study engineering, and until recently was a top-ranked student at Bemidji State University nearly finishing two degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems.

Volunteering as a counselor at camps for children with cancer, snowboarding, composing music, and creating graphic arts were a few of his passions. He lived generously, spoke humorously, wrote powerfully, and sympathized deeply with children suffering from cancer. He was characterized by optimism and gratitude.

Celebration of Life service: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb 20 at Faith Baptist in Park Rapids officiated by Pastor Mark Waller.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the following charities:

Anna's Hope, www.annas hope.com; Children's Cancer Research Fund, 7801 East Bush Lake Road, Ste 130, Minneapolis, MN 55439-3152; Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation, 39651 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-9600; Ronald McDonald House Minneapolis, 818 Fulton St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414; ACS Hope Lodge, 2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

The Ludwinski family thanks Faith Baptist of Park Rapids, House of Prayer of Bemidji, Erik's many friends, and his compassionate, brilliant medical team at Amplatz Children's Hospital Dr. Joseph Neglia and NP Jody Dahl.

Please see www.caringbridge.org/visit/erikludwinski for more about Erik. His story of living strong with cancer has inspired innumerable people around the globe.

Loving Jesus above all, and trusting Him to the last, Erik lived a beautiful life.

To leave online condolences visit www.jonespearson.com.

Tags: obituaries