Karen L. Ludwig

October 24, 1945 - February 11, 2021

On Thursday, February 11, 2021, Karen Ludwig, loving and beloved wife, mother, and sister, passed away at the age of 75. Karen was born on October 24, 1945 near Chicago and received her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado. Professionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Association of Surgical Assistants, based in Littleton. The organization supports the...

Karen L. Ludwig

October 24, 1945 - February 11, 2021

On Thursday, February 11, 2021, Karen Ludwig, loving and beloved wife, mother, and sister, passed away at the age of 75. Karen was born on October 24, 1945 near Chicago and received her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado. Professionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Association of Surgical Assistants, based in Littleton. The organization supports the advancement and education of non-physician surgical assistants practicing throughout the United States. In 1970, Karen married David Ludwig in Chicago, and they moved to Colorado in 1972. Karen and David raised one daughter, Kristin. Karen had a passion for exploration and travel - over the past two decades, she and David enjoyed adventures across the U.S. as well as Europe, Asia, South America, and New Zealand. Affectionately called “the Resource Lady,” Karen would research and plan her family’s travels overseas to be filled with rich experiences in history, culture, art, food, and the outdoors. She, David, and Kristin enjoyed adventures including hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, walking the galleries of Canyon Road in Santa Fe, sea kayaking in Vietnam, caving in New Zealand, trekking the Inca Trail in Peru, learning art history in Italy, and taking in the city lights at the top of the Eiffel Tower. When not traveling, Karen enjoyed spending time in her beautiful garden filled with graceful Japanese maples, cooking (she reveled in all things raspberry), reading, and co-designing jewelry with her daughter. She took great joy in spending as much time as she could with her grandson, Nolan, and loved introducing him to new things, ranging from mango smoothies to pony rides. Karen’s generosity and humor touched countless lives and she will be dearly missed. Karen is survived by her husband, David Ludwig; her daughter, Kristin Ludwig; her sister, Kathy Smith; and her grandson, Nolan.

Donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science by visiting https://secure1.dmns.org/donate-to-the-annual-fund-today