Jack A. Ludgate

Jack A. Ludgate, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Knoxville on November 16, 2023. A funeral service for Jack will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home located at 202 E. Washington Ave. in Knoxville, Iowa. A visitation will begin at 10:00am prior to the service at the funeral home. Jack will be interred at Graceland Cemetery following services with military honors performed by the United States Army.

Jack was born in Des Moines, Iowa to John and Marie (Brooks) Ludgate on November 15, 1932. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines. After school, Jack joined the United States Army, where he bravely served his country in the Korean War. Following his service, Jack spent over forty years with Mid-American before retiring.

Although retired, Jack was not one to sit around and let the world pass him by.  His caring nature and desire to make the world a better place kept him active throughout his golden years. Jacks loved for historical landmarks and their preservation, eventually landed him the role of President of Iowa Society of Preservation of Historical Landmarks “ISPHL”. He and Pat would love driving around Iowa antiquing and enjoying the marvelous historical landmarks along the way. Jack was also a member of the Indianola Men’s Garden Club. He enjoyed tending his garden and being around others who shared his passion.  Throughout his time serving various organizations, Pat would always be called on to help wherever necessary. She was always happy to lend a hand.

When not gardening or enjoying Iowa’s historical treasures, Jack could be found at many local city or county meetings, making sure tax dollars were being spent wisely. Jack believed in government accountability. He held firm that government works for the people and should not be self-serving. Jack was willing to serve the people he sought to protect, running twice for public office. He went to every house in his ward letting people know where he stood on the city’s most pressing issues. Jack’s “letters to the editor” could often be found in the newspaper. He had no problem holding government officials “feet to the fire” to make sure they were always acting in the best interests of people they swore to serve.

Left to honor Jack’s memory are his wife of 44 years, Patricia; nephew, Dirk (Trina) Ludgate; niece, Diana (Ralph) Strait; sister in-law, Sandra (Frank) Lundquist; brother in-law, George Caldwell; many great-nieces and nephews; and two great-great nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, James Ludgate, Mary Ann Booth, and Alice Jean Ludgate; niece, Debra Ludgate; nephews, Kevin Ludgate and Douglas Ludgate; and a sister in-law, JeanAnne Caldwell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name may be directed to the Knoxville Fire and Rescue Association.