Obituary of Frederick Herman Ludtke, Jr.

Frederick Herman Ludtke, Jr. passed away, surrounded by his family, on December 13, 2023. Fred was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on through his family and friends.

Fred was born January 5, 1938 in Port Angeles, Washington to parents Frederick Herman and Anita Charlotte Ludtke. He graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington with a degree in Architecture. Fred married Nancy Scranton Cragin in 1964. For several years, they lived in Bellevue, Washington, where two of their three children, Fred III and Heidi were born.

Fred’s architectural work took the family to Casa Grande, Arizona and New Brighton, Australia, where their daughter Erika was born. Following four years in Australia, the family moved to Westlake Village, California, followed by Acapulco, Mexico and Freeport, Grand Bahama. From the Bahamas, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut and then settled in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire for twelve years. For the last thirty four years, Fred and Nancy have called Daufuskie Island, South Carolina their home. Here, Fred continued his love for architecture, natural light and views, designing over 60 beautiful homes for the residents of the island. Fred’s love of golf followed him wherever he went.

Throughout his career, Fred worked as an architect and land developer, receiving many awards for his work as well as his volunteering and community service. He was honored in Snow Country Magazine as a unique and distinguished architect who remained loyal to the art of designing by hand.

Fred cherished family and lifelong friendships across the world. He is survived by his devoted wife Nancy, son Fred Ludtke III and wife Deborah, daughter Heidi Campbell and husband Rich, and daughter Erika McGoldrick. He was a grandfather to seven,

Fred Ludtke IV, Sophia Ludtke, Ella Campbell, Ethan Campbell, Emma McGoldrick, Jack McGoldrick and Edy McGoldrick. He is also survived by his brothers Clarion Ludtke and wife Pat, and Lloyd Ludtke. He was pre-deceased by siblings Abner Ludtke and Beatrice Ludtke. Fred will be remembered for his wonderful smile, unending kindness to others and his deep faith.

A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, January 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, 7 Park Drive, Unit 4, Bluffton, SC 29910 or the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, 44 Old Haig Point Road, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Broad Creek Care Center on Hilton Head Island, SC for their extraordinary care of Fred over the last eighteen months.