Kathryn Ann “Kitty” Ludwig, 86

Kathryn Ann “Kitty” Ludwig, age 86, passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012 in Northfield. Kitty was born May 19, 1926 to Alfred and Amelia (Favro) Albers on the family farm west of Northfield. Kitty started her education at the local country school, the “Sharp” School, and then graduated from Northfield High School in 1944. Subsequently she studied home economics, which included interior design, at the University of Minnesota. Growing up she enjoyed all that the family farm had to offer and participated in Rice County 4-H as a member of the Big Star Club.

On August 21, 1947 she was united in marriage to Henry P. Ludwig. They made their home on the Alber’s family farm on the Dutch Road engaged in dairy, beef, chicken and crop production as well as raising their family. Kitty was an active DFL member. She and Henry were also involved in the Farm Bureau activities with Kitty traveling to Washington, DC in 1960 with the Minnesota delegation.

In the early 1960s Kitty began working for Metcalf Home Furnishings in Northfield as an interior decorator. In 1971, she along with neighbor Robert Ebling, started their own business called Dutch Road Designs. Kitty continued in this venture until 1991 helping decorate area homes, doing contract work with the colleges, and delighting new mothers and their babies with her famous ruffled baby quilts.

In 1983 a family tradition continued when son Mike married and he and his new wife moved into the house with Kitty and Henry. Kitty delighted in helping to raise her grandchildren in the very house she had been born in and her great grandfather had built. Kitty also loved music and enjoyed and supported her children and grandchildren’s musical endeavors. Kitty often joined her mother on trips to the North Shore, staying in their cabin at Lutsen. Later in retirement she and Hank spent most of their summers there. Kitty was an active member of the Church of Annunciation, Hazelwood. Her talent at quilting and decorating at home or at church was freely shared.

Kitty will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by daughter Chris Ludwig CSJ of Minneapolis, son Michael (Margaret) Ludwig of rural Northfield, and her grandchildren Patrick and Jane Ludwig. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry and grandson Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 3:00 pm Thursday, July 26th at the Church of Annunciation, Hazelwood with burial at the Rolling Green Cemetery in Bridgewater Township. Visitation will be 4-8:00 pm Wednesday at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield.

Funeral arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield.