Shane Stephen Ladwein

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Shane Stephen Ladwein of Midland, MI, husband and father of three children, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51. Shane was born on January 29, 1974 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Gail (Zakar) Ladwein. On July 11, 1998, Shane married Sara JoAnn (Malesky) Ladwein, daughter of Robert and Penelope (Bennett) Malesky, in St. Johns, MI. They raised three sons: Brendan Robert Ladwein (22), Thomas Shane Ladwein (19), and Henry Wyatt Ladwein (16).

Shane graduated from Shepard High School in Palos Heights, IL with the Class of 1992, and graduated summa cum laude from Michigan Technological University in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. In the same year, he received his Engineer In Training (EIT) certification from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). In 2002, he received his master's degree in finance, strategic management, and economics from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He achieved a pm executive certificate from MIT Sloan School of Management in 2007.

Shane worked for Dow Corning & Dow Performance Silicones for over 20 years, and carried out many roles during his time there. He most recently worked as Vice President of Corporate Development and the Enterprise Management Office at Quaker Houghton.

Shane deeply cherished supporting his sons' sporting events and extracurricular activities by attending their swim meets, tennis matches, and music performances. In his spare time, he enjoyed various outdoor activities like golfing, hunting, and fishing, as well as going to the gym daily. Shane also loved spending time with his dogs, Otis and Gus, and he took great joy in watching his favorite reruns of "The Big Bang Theory" and comedies like "My Cousin Vinny."

Shane loved to laugh, was a great listener, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Shane was incredibly methodical about everything he did - to the extent he was ironically nicknamed "Speedy" by Sara's family. He was incredibly hard working and continually strived for success in the corporate world, many times sacrificing himself greatly in the process.

Shane is survived by his wife, Sara; sons, Brendan, Thomas, and Henry; and sister Tiffany (Ladwein) Radtke, his parents Thomas and Gail (Zakar) Ladwein, father-in-law, Dr Robert G Malesky, and many other family members and friends who loved and cherished him dearly.  Shane is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Penelope (Bennett) Malesky.

The Ladwein family is being served by Wilson MILLER Funeral Home in Midland, MI. A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 7th. Visitation will begin at 10 AM with the service starting at 11 AM. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at Frickes until 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aldersgate Church in Midland or Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network in memory of Shane S Ladwein.