Karl Drew Ludeman

Grief never ends… but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… it is the price of love.

Obituary

Karl Drew Ludeman Epitaph



Karl Drew Ludeman was borne in November 29, 1959 to Kaye and Carmeta Ludeman in Sioux Falls South Dakota. Karl was the second of three children, Kary, an older brother and Kristin (Ludeman) Draisey his younger sister. Karl grew up camping hunting and fishing with his family in the Blackhills. Karl kept his love of fishing through out the rest of his life and was very good at it. Karl liked motorcycles and cars and even had a corvette for a while. Karl attended Edison Jr. high school and Washington High School and graduated in 1978. He enjoyed the friendship of many in high school. Karl had curly blond hair, a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye. He had a big heart, a good sense of humor and was strong as an Ox He worked for the Sioux Falls Park Department doing upkeep of baseball diamonds. After high school, karl attended the University of South Dakota at Springfield where he learned construction and surveying trades. While at the university Karl was housed in Ludeman Hall which was named after his grandfather, Walt Ludeman, who was a recognized past school president. Karl worked for Sweetmans Construction and performed surveying all over the state.

Karl married Janet Kjelden in 1987. Janet had 4 daughters – Kisha, Sarah, Emily and Betsy. Karl taught the girls to camp and fish and gave them an appreciation for the outdoors and music. The marriage dissolved after 10 years. Karl could be blunt and strait forward at times but he also had a softer side. Karl was a gardener who was very proud of his tomatoes and enjoyed watching the birds feed with his mother. Karl was an artist and carved images into stone. Karl was a poet, he wrote poetry often, especially in is final year. Karl had an eclectic taste and a great appreciation for music. Karl suffered from a bad hip in his final years but finally got it replaced. His last job was as a Taxi Driver and care taker for his mother. Once Mom (Carmeta) was moved to a senior center to live, Karl moved to to the James Butler farm near Brookings and served as a helping hand and fished the lakes near by. Karl died from complications during treatment for lung/brain cancer on November 9th 2023. He is survived by his Mother and Sister Kristen, many nephews and nieces, Janet and step daughters Kisha, Sarah, Emily and Betsy.

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Karl Ludeman

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