Nicholas “Nicko” Howard Ludwig, 12, of Post Falls, Idaho, went home to be with our Father in Heaven on February 21st, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born in Kirkland, Washington on June 15th, 2010. He was the third child of Matthew Robert Ludwig and Tessa Marie Ludwig (Genatone). After spending five years in Stanwood and attending Cedar Home Elementary, he attended Seltice Elementary and River City Middle School, where he resided for the past five years in Post Falls, Idaho. Nicko was born with severe congenital heart defects that took him on a journey of perseverance and hope. Nicko beat the odds through many open-heart surgeries and was given 12 beautiful years filled with family, friends, sports, and laughter. Nicko has had a passion for sports since before he could walk. He is known for being his siblings’ and cousins’ biggest fan and assistant coach to his dad, Uncle Nick, or anyone else that would let him on the football field, basketball court, wrestling mat, or weight room. He embraced the small things in life and loved to fish, play golf, bust out his guitar, rock out on the drums, work on the racecar with his dad, and sing in the bathroom. Nicko was blessed with the gift of bringing joy to those around him. He had a way of becoming friends with everyone he met, and his happiness was infectious. He thrived on creating laughter, whether giving you alien eyes or cracking a joke. Nicko loved hanging with his friends, and he loved school (even if he was playing finger drums instead of getting his work done). Nicholas is survived by his parents, Matthew and Tessa; brother Matthew (15); sister Alivia (14); loving Grandparents, Jim and Kathy Genatone and Howard Ludwig; Uncles and Aunts, Howard and Katie Ludwig, Brian Ludwig, Al and Kristin Genatone, Tom and Maggie Ludwig, Nick and Mackenzie Genatone and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Nancy Ludwig. A celebration of life service will be held at New Life Church in Rathdrum on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, we ask that people donate to Seattle Children’s Hospital Heart Center in honor of Nick Ludwig at https://give.seattlechildrens.org/nicko. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”