Kenneth T. Ludwig (89) of Naples, FL, formerly of Effingham

Kenneth T. Ludwig, 89, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Effingham died on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Born to Leo and Josephine Ludwig in Effingham, Illinois on June 4th, 1933, Ken was the first of seven children, Lloyd (Mary), Robert (Judy), Norma (Edward Grunloh), Ruth (Ron Roach), Gerald (Diane) and Leo (Jennifer) would follow. He attended St. Anthony High School, then went on to Eastern Illinois University on a full athletic scholarship, where he lettered for four years on both the basketball and baseball varsity teams and was awarded all-conference honors his junior and senior seasons. He was later inducted into Halls of Fame for St. Anthony High School, Eastern Illinois University, McHenry High School and the Illinois High School Basketball Coaches Association.

It was at Eastern Illinois University where he married the love of his life Jeanne (Stuckey). After college, Ken was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and played shortstop and pitcher for the AAA club in Clinton, IA. After one season, Ken was drafted again, this time by the US Army and he and Jeanne moved to Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK where Ken served for two years. Following his discharge they moved to Kankakee, IL then Newton, IL then settled down in McHenry, IL where they lived for almost 30 years. Ken taught PE at McHenry High School and went on to become the winningest varsity basketball coach in the school’s history. Ken finished his coaching career with 342 wins, 5 IHSA Regional titles, one Sweet 16 appearance and three conference championships. He served on the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association board of directors for 13 years, sat on the all-state selection committee and was named District 10 Coach of the Year three times.

 In spite of all his academic and athletic accomplishments, what Ken was most proud of was his family. He and Jeanne had three sons, Roger (Barbara), Kenne (Christine), Thomas (Edye), six grandchildren, Phillip (Lauren) Ludwig, Lindsey Ludwig, Benjamin Ludwig, Shea Ludwig, Ryan (Taylor) Ludwig and Josh (Kristen) Wilkinson as well as seven great grandchildren, Penelope, Cecilia, Oliver, Hunter, Leisel, Conrad, Lana and dozens of nephews, nieces and cousins whom he loved keeping track of, especially through newspaper box scores and sports articles.

After 35 years as teachers (and coach), Ken and Jeanne retired to Royal Wood Country Club in Naples, FL where they became heavily involved in the Royal Wood community, starting several tennis and golf leagues and organized countless social events. Ken became involved in community leadership and was elected to the Royal Wood Master Board in 2007 serving for two years before being elected board president in 2009.

Ken loved to say he and Jeanne lived in “paradise”. He and Jeanne enjoyed a wonderfully active retirement, spending time together with their ever-expanding family, playing golf and tennis and singing with Ken’s beloved music group, “The Blowhards”. One of Ken’s all-time favorites, “All in Favor” became a staple at all gatherings of family or friends, a tradition his family looks forward to continuing in his memory. Ken and Jeannie’s love for Royal Wood would attract several other family members to join them, including brothers Lloyd (Mary), Robert (Judy), son Kenne (Christine) and beloved niece Debra (Sandy Patrick).

Ken was a man of strong faith, an active member of St. Patrick’s church in McHenry, IL and later St. Peter the Apostle Church in Naples, FL where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He thanked God for giving him each day that he spent with all of the people that he loved.

Ken will be greatly missed by all who knew him. From the thousands of students he taught or coached over his dedicated career, to those in his beloved Naples, FL community of Royal Wood or his all important family, he will be remembered as a fiercely competitive leader, a mentor, an athlete, a die hard Cubs fan, a loving husband, father, uncle, brother, papa and “GP” (great-grandpa).

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with burial in Oakridge Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.