John Martin Ludwig

Jack was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 2, 1936, to John F. and Lucile Ludwig. Jack graduated from St. Leo High School in 1954 and went on to graduate from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1958 with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Jack’s first engineering job was with Sylvania in Buffalo, NY. He then moved to California in 1962 to work in aerospace engineering for Hughes Aircraft, then Interstate Electronics, and Xerox/Honeywell. Jack wrapped up his career moving into Sales and Business Operations Management for Western Digital and ending his career with Toshiba in 2001.

Jack met the love of his life, Nancy K. Steffen, at a fraternity party in 1954. They had an immediate connection laughing and dancing together. Jack drove Nancy home that evening and they have been together ever since. They were married in 1957 and through their 67 years of marriage, they had 7 children, 18 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

After moving to California in 1962, Jack and Nancy lived in Orange, then moved to Yorba Linda, Temecula, Placentia, and finally Brea (Capriana Retirement Community). In addition to spending time raising their large family, and attending a plethora of sporting and school events, Jack and Nancy enjoyed quality time with their friends and extended family bowling and playing bridge and cards of all kinds. Jack also taught religious education at St. Martins Church and coached Little League baseball for several years.

Jack had a passion for building model airplanes and model trains. He was notorious for his Saturday game night with his children playing Yahtzee, Careers, Monopoly and making popcorn and coca cola floats. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends across the years and most recently with his friends he made at Capriana retirement community. Jack and Nancy also enjoyed traveling with family and their bridge group friends to places such as Alaska, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Caribbean, Hawaii, Boston, and many places across the United States. Jack had a gentle and kind spirit and always had a smile and encouraging word for all.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Ludwig, of Brea, CA, his children, Susan Ludwig, Linda Wren, Michael Ludwig (Michele), Jeff Ludwig (Amy), John Ludwig, Laurie Reeves (Jeff), Larry Ludwig (Robin), his sister, Connie Ludwig as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, John F. Ludwig (2002) and his mother, Lucile (Peterson) Ludwig (1989). A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00am, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 19767 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice.