Gordon William Ladwig

Dr. Gordon W. Ladwig, age 90, of Stoughton, passed away on March 23, 2023. Born on Feb. 2, 1933, in Urbana, Ill., he grew up in Beloit, Wis., as the only child of Clarence and Clara Ladwig. He married Marilyn Dorsey in Chillicothe, Ohio on August 8, 1959, and they settled in Stoughton in 1969.

Gordon graduated from Beloit College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, then completed his draft service in the U.S. Army before earning his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Ohio State University. He met the love of his life after a mutual friend and priest introduced him to Marilyn, who was a department head in nursing, during his residency at the VA Hospital in Chillicothe. He went on to work with the VA Hospital in Denver, Colo., the U.S. Public Health Services in Chillicothe, and was a clinical psychologist at the Singer Zone Center in Rockford, Ill., before he moved to Stoughton to take a position as Chief Clinical Psychologist for the State of Wisconsin Corrections Department and care for his aging parents. As a distinguished psychologist, Gordon received many awards for his dedicated service and commitment to rehabilitation. After a successful career in the Corrections Department, Gordon consulted with various organizations to prevent kids from becoming part of the criminal system and continued to apply his expertise in clinical settings.

Gordon was a man of impeccable integrity as a son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had a quick sense of humor, and enjoyed spending time with his family, both counseling and supporting them through tough times as well as celebrating their many achievements. As someone who loved the outdoors, he was an avid runner for many years before transitioning to long walks with Marilyn. He enjoyed photography, gardening, music, and had a knack for fixing cars, cameras and computers.

Gordon is survived by his seven children, Judith Davis, Jennifer (Fran) Chiaramonte, Geoff (Eileen), Greg (Evelyn), Susan (Kurt) Stormberg, Stephanie and Nancy (Craig Davidson); 10 grandchildren, Nicole (Andy) Hjortland and Jacob Davis, Colleen, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Emma Chiaramonte, Zachary and Elissa Ladwig, Megan Stormberg and Anya Ladwig; and two great-grandchildren, Remy and Nora Hjortland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn.

A celebration of life and interment Mass will be held in Chillicothe, Ohio at a later date.

Gordon was the calm voice of reason, a quiet and caring guiding force with an independent spirit and a brilliant mind. He was cherished by his family and friends, and his presence will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions in remembrance of Gordon’s life may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590