Robert 'Bob' Ludwig, 77
Robert "Bob" Ludwig, 77, died on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at home, following an extended illness. He was a supportive and loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and friend, and his death will leave a sorrowful absence for all the family, and for his good friends.
Bob was born in Kalispell on Sept. 22, 1946, to Sig and Marian Ludwig. He attended elementary and high school in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School in 1964. He graduated from U of M in Missoula, with a degree in business administration.
Much of his working career was spent in the timber industry, doing payroll and related office work. He finished his working career as the payroll/finance clerk for Bigfork School District #38.
He married Judith Lechner in 1970, and a daughter, Kathy, was born in 1978. They later divorced. Bob married Barbara Munsinger in 1991. Bob and Barb were both active outdoors enthusiasts, and they enjoyed camping, kayaking, biking, and cross-country skiing. As they grew older, they took long walks together on a daily basis. During the spring and summer months, he enjoyed golfing with a great group of buddies.
Bob and Barb were able to share this love of outdoors with their extended family, during summer reunions which were held for many summers at the Kiwanis Lodge on Bitterroot Lake. Those were wonderful family times, and it was a joy to watch the children and grandchildren of both family and friends learn to fish, kayak, swim, and enjoy the mountains, lake, and sunshine. The family meals and sociability during these reunions were truly memorable.
He was an active and faithful member of St. Matthew’s Catholic church, and the Kalispell Knights of Columbus, for many years. He was an Honorary Lifetime 4th Degree Knight, a past Faithful Navigator, a past Grand Knight, financial secretary, and recorder. The Knights principles, projects and friendships were very important to him. In addition to his Knights work, he served in many different capacities at St. Matthew’s Parish, most notably as an usher and money counter, and also as a night security person. If there was a project which needed doing at St. Matthew’s, Bob was a willing volunteer. Over the course of many years, he also worked with Big Brothers and Sisters, served as a phone coordinator for the Violence Free Crisis Line, and for five years, he delivered meals on wheels in Kalispell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Janice Ludwig Nelson.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Katharine Ludwig of Kalispell; stepdaughter, Dawn Munsinger Schwartz and family of Missoula; stepson, Mark Munsinger and family of Kalispell.
A private urn burial and grave side service will be held at a later date, in the Conrad Cemetery.
Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home is helping the family with arrangements.