Ludwig Hartmann passed away April 4, 2010 at his assisted living home in Glenwood Springs, Harmony House. He died peacefully in his sleep after battling Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. The last years of Ludwig’s life were blessed by the loving care of the Staff of Open Gate Assisted Living Center, Harmony House, and Hospice of the Valley.

Ludwig was born on Sept. 10, 1929 in Tubingen Germany. His father Ludwig Hartmann was a medical doctor and his mother Ina Josephina an English Teacher.

His youth was spent in the small city of Rottweil in the southern part of Germany near the Black Forest. It was here that he learned the piano, photography, skiing, tennis and stamp collection. He went on to enjoy these activities his entire life. Ludwig’s father, who died at a young age, had served his medical internship in Wilmington, Del., and so it was natural that Ludwig came to the United States with his mother after World War II. Their immigration story was classic as they came to America with their two trunks and $20 in their pockets.

They settled in the Town of Swarthmore just outside Philadelphia, where Ludwig obtained a scholarship to Swarthmore College and graduated with a Chemistry degree. It was in Swarthmore that he met his wife, Alberta “Abby” Hartmann and they were married on June 6, 1954. They were blessed with 42 years of marriage.

Throughout their lives they maintained their love for Swarthmore, the college, and their friends living there.

Ludwig’s professional career spanned 35 years with the same firm, Atlas Chemical, which subsequently was acquired by ICI Chemical and then Astra Zeneca. His achievements included over 20 patents and advances in agricultural research chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Ludwig and Abby’s family grew to include three sons and two daughters. Ludwig’s mother Ina who was fondly called Mutti by all, continued to be an important part of his life. She brought to the family her German heritage and her cooking of his favorite meals, sauerbraten, pfannkuchen, and dessert cakes, such as Kugelhupf, which was a great joy to her son and his family.

Ludwig’s life centered on his family and he enjoyed many adventures and vacations to the family cottage in Gloucester, Mass., New England, Colorado, and to Germany. He loved his visits with his beloved Aunt and Uncle, Alo and Emmy Fischer and their family. He treasured the opportunity to host visits from Germany by his cousins, great nephews and family friends. His connection and love for his German family remained strong throughout his life.

As Ludwig and Abby’s children grew and moved throughout the country, Glenwood Springs became their adopted second home and one of their favorite places to visit.

As they became grandparents Ludwig assumed his familiar name of “Poppie” by which he was fondly called by his ten grandchildren. While Ludwig traveled and skied many places throughout the world, Glenwood Springs and Sunlight Mountain was one of his favorites.

While Ludwig and his family lost Abby in 1996 his life continued to be filled with family and grandchildren and his move in Glenwood Springs in 2002 allowed him to be closer to much of his family and the beauty of the Colorado Mountains. His love for and impact on the lives of his family is best reflected by the affection and love for him by his grandchildren who will carry his memory and life story on to future generations.

Ludwig is survived by daughters, Anita (Matt) MacQueen of Glenwood Springs, Elaine (Stan) Speck of Glenwood Springs; sons, Gary (Laura Diane) Hartmann of Virginia, Glenn (Sandy) Hartmann of Glenwood Springs, and Roy (Lois) Blankenship of Wilmington Del.,; grandchildren, Todd Speck, Laura Speck, Troy Blankenship, Beth Blankenship, Erich Hartmann, Leanna Hartmann, Matthew MacQueen, Shayley MacQueen, Kurt Hartmann, and Kevin Hartmann.

A service celebrating Ludwig’s life will be held on Saturday, April 10, at 10 a.m. at the Farnum Holt Funeral Home in Glenwood Springs. Flowers are welcome.

Memorial donations can be made to Harmony House (1045 Parkwest Dr., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601) for their music and recreational fund.