Kermit M. Ludwig Sr.

Kermit is survived by the love of his life, Linda (Miller), his wife of 60 years. Kermit and Linda were high school sweethearts meeting as students at Glenbard Township High School in 1957. After Kermit returned from his overseas military assignment they were married on January 26, 1963.

Loving father of Tammy (Chip) Miller and Kermit ‘JR’ Ludwig. Adored papa of Kaitlyn (Jeff) Miller Balsewicz, Adam Miller (Emma Fieweger), Zachary Ludwig,  Jessalyn Kieta (Noah Ribaudo) and Ryan (Natalie) Kieta. Dear great grandfather of Everett and Lily Kieta.

Devoted son of the late Franz D. and Helen (Graham) Ludwig. Preceded in death by brothers Gerald (Sara), Loren (Tody) and Franz ‘Murph’ Ludwig. Loving brother-in-law to: JoAnn (Corban) Klug, Bill and the late Sandy Behrmann, and Kathy Ludwig. Loving uncle of many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kermit served in the United States Air Force 1958 to 1962 stationed at Lackland AFB, Sheppard AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, and finally RAF Schulthorpe, UK. Kermit spent 3 years at RAF Schulthorpe and his time there remained a highlight throughout his entire life with stories of the people he met and the things they did often the center of a conversation.

Graduated from Glenbard Township High School in 1958; Fire Science Training at College of DuPage.

After serving in the Air Force, Kermit was a DuPage County Tax Assessor. In 1964 he began a career as a meat cutter with his father-in-law, Harry Miller, at McChesney & Miller, Grocery and Market and later became co-owner with his wife, Linda, his sister-in law the late Sandy Behrmann, and brother-in-law Bill Behrmann. Kermit retired in 2001.

First and foremost, Kermit was devoted to his family. He cherished time just being together with his family: working, traveling, an afternoon cookout or Sunday dinner, holiday gatherings, sporting events, or sitting around a table catching up on the current family happenings. Family was Kermit’s world, and he was never too busy for a visit or phone call. Time spent with his children and grandchildren always brought him abundant joy. After retirement, summers at the lake house on Manitowish Lake in the Northwoods of Wisconsin held a special place in his heart. Evening cruises on his 21 foot deck boat, sitting on the deck watching the boat traffic, beautiful sunsets, and not having a time schedule to keep offered lasting peace and serenity.

Weekend motorcycle rides or week-long trips with buddies on his black Honda Interstate Gold Wing Motorcycle led to many adventures. While traveling with friends on cruises, annual trips to Aruba, or many domestic destinations, many tales were produced, told and retold with much laughter and joy.

The Village of Glen Ellyn and especially the 37 years (1964-2001) serving on the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company, retiring as 2nd Assistant Chief (#03), brought many moments of satisfaction giving back to the community. Kermit was always ready to chip in to help at the various downtown Glen Ellyn events and was known to cook his fair share of brats at the annual Oktoberfest. Kermit was well known to the downtown Glen Ellyn merchants as he often stopped in to a variety of the shops just to ‘check in’.

Visitation on Wednesday, September 6 from 4 to 8 pm. The Glen Ellyn Fire Company will honor Kermit with a fire service walk-through at 7 pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday, September 7 at 11 am at St. Petronille Catholic Church, Glen Ellyn, IL. Interment at  Forest Hill Cemetery following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to The Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company (PO Box 460, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138) or the St. Petronille Catholic Church Building in Faith Capital Campaign (420 Glenwood Ave, Glen Ellyn, Il 60137).

The family would like to give special thanks to all of Kermit’s caregivers at Belmont Village for their special and loving care.

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