He was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life Mary Elizabeth Holcombe Ludvigsen. He is survived by his children Michael Jr (Mary) of Gulf Shores AL, Patrick (Leanne) of Jacksonville FL, Joseph (Kate) of Clermont FL, Timothy of Pensacola FL, Elizabeth Tessin (Craig) of Woodbridge VA, one sister June Ludvigsen Shoemyer (Jim), 13 Grandchildren and one Great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was a 1951 graduate of McGill Institute. Following his graduation his love of airplanes led him to enlist in the Airforce. He reported to Gunter AFB in August where he became an Aeromedical Technician. He would assist with wounded being transported out of Korea and back to Hawaii. In 1955 following his discharge he came back to Mobile and began classes at Springhill College in pre-engineering. He went to work for Eastern Airlines and then back to work for the Airforce in civil service at Brookley Field in the supply depot. During this time he was involved with the Theater Guild and the Mobile Adult Catholic group, and as it happened so was mom. So began their love affair and in October of 1959 they were married at St Mary.
In 1965 dad finally realized his dream of working on airplanes. He was accepted into the apprenticeship program at the Naval Air Rework Facility NAS Pensacola. Where he work on both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. He retired after more than 33 years of active duty and civil service. He operated Sea Search & Sales, a small but successful marine electronics business out of our home for more than 10 years. He had numerous jobs following his retirement highlighting his ability to do almost anything. And he could build almost anything. He built his own HAM radio, metal detector, amplifier, underwater viewing box and many things we needed around the house.
Life with dad was always an adventure and mom was always his willing if not always eager partner. He loved all things outdoors. He hunted and fished, was an avid bird watcher and an accomplished photographer. We camped, boated, searched for buried treasure, panned for gemstones, dove ship wrecks and never missed a chance to attend an air show. We traveled staying in state and national parks along the way, visiting historic sites, family and friends.
Dad was active in the community. He was a leader with the Boy Scouts of America and was Scout Master of troop 101 in Warrington, earning the Scouter’s Key and was nominated for the St George Emblem and served on the committee for Pack 604. He served on the Parish Council at St John’s and was an officer in the Escambia County Association of Children with Learning Disabilities was active with the Ft Morgan Civic Association and was always ready to help when called upon.
Dad received his Private Pilot license in the 1950’s and became SCUBA certified NASDS and NAUI in the 1960’s. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd degree, Pensacola Naval Air Station Association, Pensacola Rifle and Pistol Club, Pensacola Historical Society, Pensacola Archaeological Society, West Florida Genealogical Society, Early American Society, Cousteau Society, International Oceanographic Foundation, National Audubon Society, National Geographic Society and a Life member of the National Rifle Association.
Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home, Mobile, Alabama, on Friday, July 20, beginning at 5 pm. Funeral Mass will be held July 21 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mobile, Alabama with graveside committal to follow at Magnolia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans or a Veterans Organization of your choice.
