O Son Ludwig

  O Son (Joanne) Ludwig, age 89, passed away on Sunday September 16, 2018, at Hawthorn House, Shalimar, Fl. Joanne was born on February 5, 1929, in Seoul, South Korea, to Mr. Hyong Chae Park and Mrs. Soon Suk Oh. She was the youngest of a family of three sisters, one brother, two half-sisters, and one-half brother. She is survived by husband Richard; three sons, Randy, Raymond and Russell; eight grandchildren, Reece, Riley, Ross, Rachel, Ragan, Ryan, Ericka and Kevin; and many nephews and nieces.

  Joanne was a young and popular elementary school teacher when the Korean War broke out in 1950. Her family was forced to flee Seoul, South Korea due to the war. Her mother, aged 52, died during their escape during the war. Joanne later met Richard Ludwig, United States Air Force, and they married in 1960. Joanne emigrated to the United States with Richard in 1960. She embarked on her new life in the United States as a “promised land” which would provide wide-open opportunities for her young family.

  Joanne lived in Niagara Falls, NY, Rockland, ME, and Bangor, ME during her husband Richard’s service in the Air Force. Upon Richard’s retirement from the United States Air Force in 1969, the Ludwig family moved to Long Beach, CA. Joanne lived and raised her family in Long Beach, until Richard and Joanne retired and moved to Niceville, FL in 1998. Joanne and Richard resided in Bluewater Bay in Niceville for nearly twenty years. Most recently Joanne and Richard resided at Hawthorn House (Air Force Enlisted Village).

  Joanne was a very strong woman with a fierce determination. Her dream was for her family to achieve success and happiness in the United States. After raising her young children, Joanne began work as a seamstress at Newport Fashion. She worked hard and saved money in order to eventually become a successful small business owner. During the course of her career, Joanne owned and operated Ludwig’s Coffee Shop and Diner, and the Tenderloin Restaurant. She spent nearly a year refurbishing their first home in Rockland, ME, which she used as seed money to buy their home in Long Beach, CA. She was an astute and hard-working business woman who made successful real estate ventures in both California and Florida. Joanne’s hobbies included sewing, gardening, camping, traveling and playing cards. Her idea of a pleasant and enjoyable time was playing Pinochle or Canasta with her family and friends. She also enjoyed watching her television in the kitchen while cooking, or relaxing at the end of the day. She particularly enjoyed watching and discussing politics on cable TV.

  Joanne placed a high value on education. She instilled the importance of education in her sons and pushed them to excel in school. She was the primary influence for her sons Randy to graduate from UCLA, Raymond to graduate from Stanford University, and Russell to graduate from California State University, Long Beach. She was very proud of her sons’ success in school and careers.

  God has always been important in Joanne’s life. Joanne raised her children with a Christian upbringing at the Wrigley Heights Baptist Church of Long Beach, CA. Joanne was a strong, devoted and longstanding member of the All Nations Baptist Church of Mary Esther, Florida. She was instrumental in the establishment of the church in 2009 at the current location at Mary Esther, FL. She was a treasurer at the church for 7 years. Joanne made many close friends at All Nations Baptist Church, whom she loved dearly, and who provided caring spiritual support during the end of her live. The Ludwig Family will always be grateful for the faithfulness and love of her church family. Joanne was a strong, wise, kind and caring woman. She lived a full, worthwhile and well-lived life. She was the foundation of her family, and they are so very proud and grateful for her.

   The Ludwig Family would like to thank the staff of Eglin Air Force Hospital, Hawthorn House, and Emerald Coast Hospice for the care, support and kindness shown Joanne during the last months of her life. In lieu of flowers, the Ludwig Family asks that donations be made to All Nations Baptist Church or Hawthorn House (Air Force Enlisted Village).

  A memorial service will be held for O Son Ludwig at 11:00 am on Saturday September 29, 2018 at All Nations Baptist Church, 418 Bryn Athyn Blvd, Mary Esther, FL. 

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