Ludwig "Ludy" Jerry Manthei

Ludwig “Ludy” Jerry Manthei, 80, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, with his wife Sally by his side, following a battle with bladder cancer and kidney disease.

Born in Bryan, Texas, to Ludwig and Gladys Manthei, Ludy and his three siblings grew up in the Brazos and Robertson County areas. In 1964, Ludy graduated from Franklin High School and, just weeks later, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for five years. In 1970, he returned to his roots and joined his father as a carpenter. The two worked together until his father’s passing in 1982, after which Ludy began a successful career as an independent framing contractor until his retirement.

As a youth, Ludy was heavily influenced by his grandfather’s devotion to the Lord. Inspired by his grandfather, he began attending church as a teenager, often bringing his younger siblings along. Confirmed at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Kurten, Texas, he later became deeply involved in the United Church of Christ (UCC). He served in numerous roles at Faith UCC in Bryan, including youth sponsor advisor, and participant in Bible studies and prayer groups. He was also active at Slumber Falls Camp (UCC) in New Braunfels, and later helped found Friends Congregational Church in College Station.

Though he initially resisted, Ludy felt God’s call to ministry for many years and, in 1998, after completing a rigorous two-year training program, he was licensed as a minister in the UCC. After several years providing pulpit supply across central Texas, he served as interim pastor at Faith UCC (2001), summer supply pastor at St. Peter UCC in Houston (2003), pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Calvert (2005), and pastor at St. Paul UCC in Marlin (2007–2021). Known for his warm, grandfatherly preaching style, he cherished mentoring relationships and the opportunity to serve faithfully.

A man of hard work, humility, and deep conviction, Ludy described his life as earning a “working man’s Ph.D. from the school of hard knocks.” His legacy is one of quiet faithfulness, service to family, community, and church, and a steadfast trust in God’s timing.

He is survived by his wife Sally; his children Greg (& Veronica) Manthei, Caty Bowden, Karen Manthei, Chris (& Kristina) Bowden, Susan Manthei, and Eric (& Theresa) Manthei; his siblings Teddy (& Donna) Manthei, Kathy (& Hal) Lyday, and Gary (& Debbie) Manthei; ten grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends from his years of ministry.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Friends Congregational Church in College Station, Texas, with a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ludy to Friends Congregational Church.