Ralph Felix Ledwig

Ralph Felix Ledwig, 91, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on April 26, 2026 at his home in independent living, where he thrived among his many new friends. A longtime resident of Colorado Springs, Ralph was born on February 3,1935 in Groom, Texas to the late Ethel and Felix Ledwig.

Ralph was raised on a farm in the Texas Panhandle where he learned the values of hard work ` and resourcefulness. His early education began in a small rural schoolhouse and his high school years were spent at a Catholic boarding school in Amarillo. Ralph earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, where he met his beloved wife, Frances Strausser. Upon graduation from UT, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, followed by serving in the Reserve for eight years. A brief assignment at Fort Carson introduced him to the beautiful state of Colorado. In his early career in the Texas Panhandle, he worked for Cabot Corporation in Pampa and joined Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG) while in Amarillo. When the opportunity arose to relocate with CIG, Ralph and Frances settled permanently in Colorado Springs. During his 27 year career with CIG, Ralph truly enjoyed his time in gas pipeline operations management, which included design and field inspection of compressor stations. After his retirement, he also enjoyed consulting work in Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, and a very special six months in Melbourne, Australia, where he was joined by Frances.

Ralph was a dedicated husband and father, and he and Frances shared a wonderful 52 years together. He was the quintessential fix-it man and never met a project he couldn’t tackle. Ralph also enjoyed watching sports, planting his summer garden, and making time for family activities, such as camping and skiing. Supporting his kids in their various activities and educational endeavors, was a priority for him. Whether you had the good fortune of knowing Ralph for many years, or you just met him, you know he was friendly, an eternal optimist, and loved to talk to everyone.

Ralph was a long-time parishioner at both Divine Redeemer and Sacred Heart Catholic churches. As an active community member, he was involved in the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency.

Ralph is survived by his son Mark Ledwig, daughter Gini Gigliotti, daughter Kara Gigliotti (Andrew), and daughter Lana Ledwig. He was “Granddad” to Jake (Amy), Sam, Allison, Caden (Annie), Maria (Jake W.) and Lita. He recently welcomed a great grandson, Emerson.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Frances, brother Jerome Ledwig, sisters Bernadine McNiel, Florence Ware, Elaine Chapman, and son-in-law Stephen Gigliotti.

In his honor, contributions can be made to Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, or the Rotary Foundation.

A Visitation and Vigil will be held at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, on Monday, May 18th at 4:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2030 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, on Tuesday, May 19th at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.