Karen Celeste Ludwig

Karen Celeste Ludwig, Age 87, of Traverse City, MI passed away peacefully Thursday morning, October 1 at home surrounded by family. She was born August 18,1939 in Luther, Michigan. Karen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Aquinas College in 1961 during which time she met Bill Ludwig. They fell in love and were married October 5,1963 in Luther at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. They had 7 children and settled in Traverse City. Karen lived a faithful life as a devout Catholic, attending and playing the organ for a number of Catholic churches starting very early into adulthood and for many years thereafter, ending up later in life as a member of Christ The King Catholic Church in Acme, MI. Karen found great joy in raising her family and spending quality time with family and friends. She was a wonderful example of someone who practiced patience, kindness, generosity and faithfulness. She will be greatly missed.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years William Ludwig, father Joe Choponis, mother Isabelle Choponis, her infant daughter Catherine Mary, and grandson Stevie Govan. She is survived by her children George Ludwig, Bill Ludwig, Steve Ludwig, Greg (Deb) Ludwig, Suzy (Dean) Govan, Kari (Brian) Wooters, and Mary Ferguson, her 11 grandchildren Kyle, Katie, Bryce, Lauren, Tyler, Cody, Palyn, Aaron, Connor, Sam and Grace, her 5 great grandchildren, and her siblings Roger Choponis, Jan (Dan) Shoup, Dave Choponis, Mel (Addie) Choponis, Mike Choponis, and Teresa Choponis.

Visitation and a rosary will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme, MI on Monday October 12 from 10:00-11:00am. A funeral mass will start at 11:00 and be officiated by Fr. Christopher Jarvis. A luncheon at the church will follow soon afterwards. If you wish to send flowers, please send to Christ The King Catholic Church Monday, October 12 before 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grand Traverse Right To Life. Karen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City.