Obituary of Kenneth Lee Ludewig

Kenneth (Ken) Ludewig, beloved brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Hollister, CA. The lifelong resident of San Martin and inventor, musician, and songwriter (California Jungle), provided a legacy of memories with his family and at the Ludewig Ranch, a place of gathering and fun. Imaginative and unconventional, he occasionally transformed the ranch's bare fields into unique places to gather, including his personal field of dreams with a baseball diamond, and a model plane airstrip. In the Spring, the family gathered to the area he had cleared for the annual Bonfire. It was those times, when surrounded by his two treasured sons and others he loved, that he was content. Builder of the 'Old #9' Train for the San Martin Christmas Tree Farm, and creator of the Country Park & Pumpkin Patch with the Giant Slingshot, Hayride Rollercoaster, Loose Caboose ride, Haunted Halloween Tunnel, etc, his attractions brought fun-seeking families to South County. He established The Barn venue where hundreds celebrated birthdays & weddings, came for the Petting Zoo, Western Facade, and Traincoach station, and public concerts; once hosting the Greg Kihn Band and Jefferson Starship, and the Morgan Hill July 4th Fireworks! Kenneth, also known as Kenny, provided lasting memories where he (as Engineer, with his dog, Hanna, running alongside) toured smiling kids and families wearing Lazer Shades, through The Forest and the brightly decorated Train Tunnel making fun and lasting memories for all. Semi-retired in Hollister, Kenneth continued spreading love. He especially enjoyed spending countless hours with his grandkids and performing with his guitar and harmonica at family gatherings. Surrounded by love and support, he was back in his element, exploring the neighborhood with new friends, in yet another train he built (on wheels). His part-time job at Casa de Fruita also kept him busy running the Carrousel. Nicknamed Carousel Ken, he was famous for entertaining kids with magic tricks while they waited in line. As occasional Candy Shop Greeter, where he continued spreading cheer, and was reminded of his Grandma Emma Radley's Fruit Stand at the family ranch. Kenneth was loved beyond measure, admired by many, and will be truly missed. He is survived by his doting sons, Tache (Jennifer) and Guy (Rachelle), and treasured grandchildren, Justin, Haley, Westley, William, Emma, Autumn & Adia, brother Stephen Ludewig and sister, Susan McNew. "Let all that you do be done in love" 1 Corinthians 16:14