Ludwig "Lud" Zerbe

Ludwig ""Lud"" Zerbe, age 93, of Yadkinville, NC, entered into his eternal rest at the feet of Jesus on November 14, 2015 in Winston-Salem, surrounded by his children. ""Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."" Psalm 116:15
Ludwig Zerbe, beloved husband and father, was born to William and Marie Zerbe at home in Lustre, MT, on October 1, 1922. Second of six children, he worked on the family farm with his father, learning, in addition to farming, mechanics, carpentry and many other skills that would serve him well in life.
Born again through faith in Christ Jesus as a young adult, he followed God's call to St. Paul Bible College in Minnesota, where he met and later married Lorraine Adams. Together they followed the call to missionary service spanning 44 years in Africa, Hawaii, Nebraska, Alaska, Montana, and Virginia. As a bush pilot, he took the first Piper aircraft to Liberia to minister to people who lived in remote villages, transport seriously ill or injured, and deliver mail and supplies. He founded a Bible Institute to train pastors, preached in many villages, and built houses and other structures on the mission station. In the US, he planted churches and shared the burden of missions.
Lud loved flying airplanes, preaching, farming, and recounting to anyone who would listen, colorful stories from a truly remarkable life. His adventurous spirit, generous heart, and lively wit were beloved by all whose lives he touched. His loyalty, enjoyment of life, and tireless work ethic are qualities which embody memories of him. Lud was committed to his Lord, preaching his last sermon only four weeks ago on the need for more missionaries, as befitting his legacy of service.
He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Les Zerbe (Jane) of Fairbanks, AK, Sheryl Metz (Jerry) of Yadkinville, NC, Stephen Zerbe (Jill) of Germanton, NC, and Janeen Longworth (Rick) of Clemmons, NC; eight grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 67 years, Lorraine, and his grandson, David McNeill.
He was a charter member of West Haven Baptist Church in Clemmons and often preached there, telling of his years as a missionary and challenging others to heed the call for service.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Grace Baptist Church Chapel, 3305 Peters Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem. The family will receive friends from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made The Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. The family would like to thank Grace Baptist Church for their generosity, Dr. Thomas Grote for his compassionate care, and Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

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