HOPE — Alexander Crosby "Alex" Ludwig, 74, of Hope, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, holding the hand of his loving wife, with his sister, Linda, and sister-in-law, Dottie, by his side.

Born on September 11, 1951, at Camden Community Hospital, Alex was the beloved son of the late Earle and Barbara (Pearse) Ludwig. He grew up on the family’s Hope View Farm, learning the values of hard work early in life by collecting eggs, haying, and milking. Alex attended Hope School for grades K–8 and graduated from Camden-Rockport High School with the Class of 1970. Even during his high school years, Alex’s strong work ethic was on display as he worked part-time at Payson Farm Equipment and collected eggs for a neighbor. The year following his graduation, he even took on the responsibility of driving the school bus, transporting high school students from Hope to Camden.

In 1985, Alex established his own business, Ludwig Construction, an earthwork business. He truly loved his work and built many lasting relationships. His customers frequently became close, lifelong friends who respected his skill, honesty, and dedicated craftsmanship.

Alex was a cornerstone of the Hope community, dedicating his life to service. He was a member of the Hope Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, served 15 years as the elected Town Road Commissioner, and gave his time to both the Town of Hope Budget Committee and Roads Committee. He was a past president of the Hatchet Mountain Sno-Riders Club and sponsored Hope Farm Team Baseball for many years.

Outside of work and town service, Alex lived life to the fullest. He loved camping with friends and family, ATV riding, snowmobiling, tinkering on equipment, and meeting up for breakfast out with those he loved. Some of his fondest moments were spent in the stands, proudly watching his nephews, Jeremy and Ben, play sports. Above all, Alex was a devoted family man. In 1973, when Dottie and Billy needed a home, Alex and Peggy opened their doors without hesitation, offering them a safe, loving place to grow up.

Alex is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret "Peggy" Ludwig; his daughter, Amy Perry and her husband Bruce, of Ohio; his special sister-in-law/daughter Dottie Holbrook and her husband Fred; and his special brother-in-law/son Billy Tripp of Appleton; his siblings Linda Hillgrove and her husband Robert ‘Bob’ of Rockland, Edward Ludwig and his wife Faye of Georgia, Christine Stevens of Lincolnville, and Keith Ludwig of Hope; his four cherished grandchildren, Rachel, Chelsea, Cameron, and Sean; his close friends, Chris Pinchbeck and Walter Ludwick; his loyal pets, Ruffin, his black lab, and Leo, his beloved orange cat; as well as many dearly loved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Alex was predeceased by his in-laws, Bill and Betty Tripp; his sister Marjorie Royer; his brothers-in-law Dwinal Tripp (and his wife, Joy) and Earl Stevens; his niece, Kelly Hillgrove; and his nephew, Scott Royer.

A celebration of Alex's life, officiated by Clarence Keller, will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the Hope Volunteer Fire Department, located at 475 Camden Road, Hope.

Following the service, a private burial for immediate family will take place at Hope Grove Cemetery. Guests are invited to remain at the fire station to share memories, food, and fellowship with the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Alex's memory may be made to Hope Volunteer Fire Department, 475 Camden Road, Hope, ME 04847 or to the Hope Historical Society c/o Sonja Howard, 101 Jones Hill Road, Hope, ME 04847.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with the Ludwig family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.