Constance Ludwig

Constance (Connie) Ludwig, 90, passed away at Vineyard Memory Care on February 22, 2025. Connie was kind, sociable, and loved by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Connie was born in Chicago, IL on June 24, 1934, to John F and Lucile Ludwig. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago in 1952. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton, IA right out of high school where she professed her vows in 1955, received her BA Degree, and began her teaching career.

Connie traveled to Chulucanas, Peru with fellow Franciscans in 1966 and worked there in the ministry for 3 years, returning to Chicago in 1969. She worked for the next 10 years in the Davenport, IA Diocese Office where she participated in Pre-Cana Programs, Divorced Catholic Groups and led the formation of Parish Committees and Homestart Programs. In 1980 Connie moved to Des Moines, IA to begin her ministry as principal of St. Augustine Grade School.

In 1981, Connie met Cathy Milder, who became her life partner. They worked together as principals of neighboring schools using innovative approaches to benefit all students. In 1986, after leaving their respective religious communities, Connie and Cathy founded their own business in West Des Moines called Country Cakes and Candies. They worked for 11 years serving the Des Moines community with their beautiful creations until 1997 when they sold their business and moved to Las Vegas, NV. They started their successful careers working in retail for Neiman Marcus and became involved in the St. Thomas More Catholic Community where they continued their ministry and met so many wonderful friends. Connie retired in 2013 and continued her ministry around Las Vegas as a Eucharistic Minister.

Connie is survived by her devoted life partner, Catherine Milder, sister-in-law Nancy Ludwig, and nieces and nephews, Susan Ludwig, Linda Wren, Michael Ludwig (Michele), Jeff Ludwig (Amy), John Ludwig, Laurie Reeves (Jeff), Larry Ludwig (Robin) as well as 18 great nieces and nephews, and 19 great grand nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, John F. Ludwig (2002), her mother, Lucile (Peterson) Ludwig (1989), and her brother, Jack Ludwig (2024). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV on March 29th at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate in Connie’s name to the Sisters of St. Francis (843 13th Ave N, Clinton, IA 52732-5115) OR Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (1501 Las Vegas Blvd North, Las Vegas, NV 89101).