Kenneth Joseph Ludwig

He was a loving husband, a kind and dear father and an avid golfer. He was a respected and active member in church and community. He was able to accomplish much in his life, and was truly a self-made man. A lifelong Catholic, he was an altar boy, a PTA president and booster at St. Frances of Rome Parish where he received his grade school education.

He graduated from DuPont Manual High School, class of 1944. He then began work for the L & N Railroad and married Carolynn, his first and only sweetheart. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as soon as his age would allow, in January 1945. He received his basic training and was posted and served stateside as WWII was winding down.

After his honorable discharge he resumed working for the L & N Railroad. He had the ambition and ability to advance in his career and further himself, becoming a certified Land Surveyor and ultimately earning his degree in Civil Engineering.

He held many positions in his career including that of Louisville Division Engineer. He had over 40 years of dedicated service by the time of his retirement from CSX Railroad in December 1987. He was a gentleman to all, with a kind and giving spirit.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Ludwig; his sons in law, John Cummins and Richard Coffey; and his cherished granddaughter, Rachel Cummins.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years Carolyn Kaelin Ludwig and his children, Lynn Coffey, Kenneth Martin Ludwig, Anne Marie Hatton (David), Laura Cummins, Kurt Ludwig (Lila) and Tracy Shaull (Steve). He will be missed by all, including his 14 grandchildren. He was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren and he dearly loved those little ones.

A mass to celebrate Kenneth’s life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, 2119 Payne St. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday at Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd.

Expressions of sympathy may be given to the Salvation Army or Dare to Care Food Bank.

Please visit us online to leave a condolence for the family at www.archlheadywestport.com