Frank L. Ludeman

Frank Lewis Ludeman, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and patient teacher, passed away on January 31, 2007 after succumbing to a courageous battle against illness. His wife, Jeanette, and his four children; John, Lester, Christina and Jana were all with him. His love of life and hunger for knowledge were a true inspiration to all who knew him. Frank was born in Toledo, Ohio to John and Wilma Ludeman and was raised in Grayling, Michigan. While growing up at his parents' Camp Shoppenagon hunting and fishing lodge, he was a fly fishing guide on the AuSable River. After graduating from the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in Houghton, Michigan with a Bachelor's Degree in Geological Engineering and a Master's Degree in Geology, he moved West to pursue his love of the mountains and minerals, living first in New Mexico, then in Casper, Wyoming and finally around Denver, Colorado. There are very few mountains, rivers, and creeks that Frank didn't explore, climb, camp near, or fish in the Rocky Mountain region. Frank captured and married his Scottish lass, Jeanette, 39 years ago. He loved the Scottish traditions and felt he must have some Scot in him along with his German heritage. He wanted a kilt and was buying one for the Scottish Festival next summer. Frank had many interesting hobbies over the years, including his rock collection, mineral micromounts, panning for gold, and astronomy. For a long time his passion has been Civil War history. He was in the process of writing a book on the minerals mined and used during the Civil War and was very active in the local chapter of the Civil War Roundtable. He had visited Gettysburg and several other battlefields and was planning a trip to Antietem. Frank's work career included Kerr-McGee, Wyoming Mineral Corporation, his own Consulting firm, Consulting & Engineering Resources, as well as his own publication, The Mining Business Digest before retiring and taking a part-time position with Barnes & Noble for several years. Frank was presently working for Energy Metals Corporation as the Senior Project Analyst. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 1:00 pm at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 3350 White Bay Drive, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. There will be a private internment later. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Civil War Preservation Trust ('CWPT') at 11 Public Square, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Share your memories of Frank with his family by clicking on the "Sign Guestbook" button below.