Timothy Victor Ladwig

When I was the head cook at Berean Academy, I always looked forward to the times when Tim would bring his sketch book, and hang out in the lunch room, often waiting for his kids to finish with athletic practices, or staying over till a game would start. We had many conversations about his faith and his art. Since I had a degree in art myself, we often discussed different mediums, and genre’s. He was amazingly gifted in many areas. He often shared stories about his children with me too, since his daughter was in my daughter’s class in school. His gentle manner, and quiet wisdom will be missed by so many. Please accept my deepest sympathy, for this great loss to your family. I will be praying that our preciousLord will hold you fast.

Ladwig Family- I’m so sorry about Tim’s passing. He was always so kind to my children! David and Joey were friends at Berean, and Joey treasured that friendship. Tim drew portraits of all three of my children at the fall festival/carnival and I have always treasured them and they hang on our office wall to this day. May he rest in peace, memory eternal.
Darcy, Joe, Kaylee, Joey and Emily Laham

Tim was one of the most amazing people Ive ever met. I will always remember his enthusiasm, encouragement his love for art, and kindness to everyone.

I grew up with Tim and we were classmates. He was a true genius at art and was a born gentleman and a good friend to everyone.
I remember when I was in grade school and saw an Indian head sculpture in a display case in the children’s library on the Emporia State University campus. It looked like something you would see in an art museum. He was in third grade when he made it! I was amazed! He could draw anything on the spur of the moment without looking at anything. Art just flowed out of him, and he used that talent to make a difference for many many people. He was amazing!
Computers and the advent of Facebook allowed people to reconnect easily. One of our classmates told me that Tim was an illustrator in Wichita, and I saw his books online that he had written and illustrated. Our birthdays were just 3 days apart so every year I texted Tim to wish him a happy birthday, and we would catch up on our lives and families. (Tim was so very proud of his wife and kids, and he loved to share what they were doing.)
God’s timing is truly remarkable. Soon after one of those birthday chatsn, I was teaching a class at Lincoln University and one of my students came in to talk to me. Her son had been in an accidental shooting that was not his fault, and had lost his eye. They were all devastated and the young man was having a really hard time with it. So I contacted Tim and told him about it. He called the young man up and talked with him, and sent him an autographed copy of one of his books. When I saw my student a few days later, she was so relieved. She told me about Tim’s response and said it made all the difference in the world. Her son was really interested in art and didn’t think he would be able to do it anymore. He had lots of fears, doubts and questions. Tim had had a personal experience with these things, and he reassured the young man, answered his questions, and allayed his fears.
God continues to do miracles around us everyday. He does many of those miracles through the people who love, serve, and trust him. Tim was one of those people who made a difference in many many people’s lives. He will be dearly missed, but we are all very grateful for having known him.