Dr. Harvey L. Ludwick

Dr. Harvey Ludwick, 83, of Ottawa Kansas passed away on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the Olathe Regional Hospice House.

Harvey was born May 24, 1941, in Wichita, Kansas as the youngest of four children of Claude and Juliet Ludwick. He grew up in Wichita and later graduated from Central High School in McPherson, Kansas. After high school, Harvey graduated from Central College with his Associate in Arts degree, playing basketball for the college team. He met his life partner, Joan Sickels (Ludwick), at Central, and they were married on June 24, 1961.

After graduating from Central, Harvey attended Friends University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and played both baseball and basketball for the Friends University Falcons. After graduating from Friends, he attended Wichita State University earning his Master’s degree in Education. Harvey taught high school physics at Maize High School while attending classes at Wichita State. In 1967, Harvey and Joan relocated to Laramie, Wyoming where he pursued his Doctorate of Education. In Wyoming, Harvey was the high school principal at Laramie High School while attending classes and completing course work. After graduating in 1971, he returned to Kansas to become Superintendent of Schools for varies districts across the state including Ellsworth, Hays, Wellington, Liberal and Ottawa School Districts. His career also includes being appointed Secretary of Human Resources for the State of Kansas under Governor John Carlin. Harvey also served as President of his alma mater, Central Christian College of Kansas. After retiring, he served as the Executive Director for the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel and was a lobbyist for the organization for over 10 years.

Harvey’s life accomplishments and influence on others has been so much more than can be described in this brief obituary. He was a devout Christian who embodied Christ-like attributes of kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience throughout his life. He loved exercising, working on projects around the house, and helping his three boys renovate their homes over the years. His life has been an inspiring and impactful example for his immediate family and friends.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Juliet, and his two sisters Claudine and Mary Lou. He is survived by his sister JoAlice, his life partner Joan, his three sons Craig, Kurt, Matt, and their spouses, Lois, Susan, and Ricki. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Christy, Ashley, Indy, Grant, Claudia, Jonathan, Abigail, Jacob, Luke; and four great-grandchildren.

Services will be held 3:00pm, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Community Revival Center Church in Ottawa, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Central Christian College of Kansas c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.