Kathy Jean (Nelson) Ludwig, 66, of Redfield, SD, passed away due to complications from cancer on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.   Her final act of kindness was the gift of sight through cornea donation. 

   Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  A prayer service and time of sharing will start at 7:00 p.m.

   Her funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield, with Reverend Keith C. Kraft officiating.  Burial will follow at the Tulare Cemetery in Tulare, SD.  After the burial, coffee and refreshments will be served in the church hall. 

   Both the prayer service and funeral service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website below Kathy’s obituary.  Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com). 

   Please direct memorials to the First Congregational United Church of Christ Placerville Camp Fund (125 E 7^th Ave., Redfield, SD, 57469).  The family prefers flowers to be ordered from Country Classics Floral Shoppe in Redfield (605-472-1125). 

   Kathy was born on April 26, 1957, to Lemont and Rita (Keelin) Brugger.  After Lemont’s untimely death, Kathy and her siblings were adopted by Wayne Nelson.  She attended and graduated from Tulare High School.  After high school, she attended one year of college in Rapid City, SD, where she developed her relationship with Stan Christensen.  They moved back to Redfield to start a family and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Angela, and Sara.  They had many great times at Cottonwood Lake as a family and with all the Nelson cousins. 

   Kathy was always a very hard worker but was mostly remembered and most proud to have worked in the Spink County Treasures office for 35 years.  She was so excited to enjoy retirement when it began in April of 2021.  After retirement, she loved checking projects off her to-do lists.  She loved being involved with her grandkids and every part of their daily lives and activities.  She was always crafty and creative and was the go-to person to help with any creative projects.  She was not only an exceptional mother and grandmother, but she was also an outstanding sister, daughter, wife, and friend to many.  And the ones closest to her appreciated her wit.  Kathy lived a faithful life and loved the Lord. 

   Kathy is survived by her father Wayne Nelson; siblings:  Marvelle (Bob) Paulsen, Todd Nelson, Judy (Woody) Grabinski; daughters:  Angela (Travis) Rice and Sara (Brock) Klapperich; grandchildren:  Olivia and Addyson Rice, Grayson, and Kora Klapperich, and all the Ludwig grandchildren.  She is also survived by her stepchildren:  Mary Kay Ludwig, Michelle Ludwig, Fred (Sarah) Ludwig, Joseph (Kim) Ludwig, John (Mary) Ludwig; many nieces and nephews she loved so much; as well as her cats. 

   She was preceded in death by Lemont Brugger, Rita Nelson, Mark Nelson, Russ Christman, and Lou Ludwig.