Kenneth C. Ludwig Sr., age 91, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center.

Ken was born on November 6, 1925 in Manitowoc to the late John and Amelia Wagner Ludwig. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1943. On July 1, 1944, Ken enlisted with the United States Navy and served overseas during World War II until his honorable discharge on June 1, 1946. On February 27, 1954, Ken married Lorraine A. Kinderman in Manitowoc. Ken found great joy in his basement which he called his "studio". It was there where the magic took place. With wood, paint, and his imagination and artistic gifts, he brought his creative ideas to life. Ken made many wooden retirement signs for former co-workers (some of them placed in their caskets). He enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Ken loved watching birds and building extraordinary bird feeders for them that looked like palaces. He enjoyed gardening, walking, reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching the Packers and gameshows, holiday decorating, his sweatshirt collection, eating ice cream and Subway subs, singing around the house and listening to Frank Sinatra music. Ken was a longtime usher at the former St. Boniface Catholic Church and an honorary member of the St. Boniface Men's Club, and a current member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Survivors include Ken's wife of 63 years, Lorraine; three children, Kenny C. (Laura) Ludwig Jr., Manitowoc; Mary Ellen (Tom) Connor, Green Bay; and Cindy (John) Westgor, Cedarburg; five grandchildren, Amanda Ludwig, Nicholas Ludwig, Erinn Connor, Heather Westgor and Andrea Westgor; sister, Erna Raih, Manitowoc; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, John and Amelia Ludwig; and brothers and sisters: Anna (Alex) Kaminski, Inga (John) Mix, John Ludwig, Milton Ludwig, and Marcella ("Uncle Gil") Gilmore.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand – 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier with burial of Ken's cremated remains to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Drews-Bleser American Legion Post 88. Following the graveside services, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Ken's name.

Ken's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Bahrami, Dr. Hiebert, Dr. Alquinto, Dr. Giriyappa, Patricia Linck, and the staff of Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center for the care, compassion and guidance they provided.

Ken was younger than most people not in years, but in spirit. He had the soul of a kid – he never let go of his inner child.

May the work I've done speak for me.