Obituaries
Glen Lyle Ludwig, retired civil engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in The Press-Enterprise (Riverside).
Retired Caltrans engineer Glen Lyle Ludwig of San Bernardino passed away peacefully with family at his side at his home on Dec. 12, 2024, at the age of 92.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1932, in Exira, Iowa, to William and Anna Ludwig. Glen was proud of his Exira roots, where he graduated valedictorian of the class of 1951. He was also a 150-pound starting lineman on the football team!
Glen also worked at the local alfalfa plant during high school. With his first paycheck, Glen bought a camera, developing film in the family’s one bathroom. His interest led to a lifetime of capturing memories through pictures and videos. He also bought his younger brother, Billy, his first baseball glove made for a left-hander, replacing the right-handed glove he was wearing backward, an early example of Glen’s generosity and love for family.
With one pair of jeans in his suitcase and enough money for one semester of tuition, Glen attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), where he made the wrestling team with no previous wrestling experience. He was tough and strong. He served in the Army from 1953-1955, achieving the rank of Private First Class. Glen was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he vowed to never live in the cold again after spending several nights in a tent in below-freezing temperatures.
The GI Bill enabled Glen to further his education at the University of Arizona where he graduated as a civil engineer. Caltrans hired Glen and his entire engineering class to work on the beginnings of the California freeway system.
It was during this time Glen met a schoolteacher from Boston. Glen married Pearle Arlette (Densmore) Ludwig, the love of his life for over 63 years, on Nov. 20, 1960. They enjoyed their life together, both working hard, but enjoying many trips. When Glen found something he loved, he stuck with it. Their favorite destinations were Maui; Jackson, Wyoming; and the 4th of July in Exira, where his hometown recently honored him by making him grand marshal in their parade.
Glen started Ludwig Engineering in 1964 and it has endured for 60 years as an Inland Empire mainstay. He built his beloved 365-unit Goldwest Mobile Home Park in Victorville in 1972 providing affordable housing to families and seniors. He started Fairway Constructors in Bullhead City, a development and homebuilding company that’s still going strong. Glen and Pearle owned hundreds of acres of land across California and Arizona, always having the vision to see the future potential.
Glen and Pearle showered their love on their family as well as their many close friends and their business families. They always welcomed and encouraged summer visits to their home. They valued education, always mentoring, encouraging, and helping enable others to pursue their dreams.
Glen and Pearle were successful yet humble and extremely generous throughout their lives. They established The Pearle and Glen Foundation, which continues to benefit so many lives and worthy causes.
Glen is survived by his sisters-in-law Nadine Ludwig and Jan Ludwig and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearle Ludwig, parents William and Anna Ludwig, brothers Darwin Ludwig and Bill Ludwig, sister Donna and brother-in-law Marvin Thygesen, niece Teresa Boysen, and dear friends Tom and Olga Keating. Glen’s family is very grateful for the caregivers during the last several years, especially Justin Santos.
Jonathan Palmer, District 9 right-of-way agent
Note: The following obituary appeared on EasternSierraNow.com.
District 9 right-of-way agent Jonathan (Jon) David Palmer passed away at his home Jan. 6 with his loving wife by his side.
Jon was born Aug. 7, 1965, in San Bernardino to parents Richard and Marilee Palmer. Jon moved from San Bernardino with his family to Bishop, where he attended school. The family would spend time between their homes in Bishop and Bridgeport.
Jon graduated Bishop Union High School class of 1983. Jon met and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Tina Raymond, on April 26 1985. Shortly after they welcomed their first daughter, Tawni.
Jon continued to grow his family and also took over the family real estate appraisal business in the Eastern Sierras. He and Tina welcomed two more daughters into the world, Brittani and Chelsi. Jon continued his career as a real estate appraiser for over 39 years before joining Caltrans in 2021.
Jon was a man of great faith, character and integrity. He had a heart of gold that was honest and true, true to his faith and true to his family. His family meant the world to him. Jon lived for family gatherings, watching football, camping, practical joking and vacationing at the beach. He also enjoyed dirt bike riding and loved that his children and grandchildren shared that love, too.
Jon is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marilee Palmer, brother Christopher Palmer, sister Cynthia Pingel and nephew Scott Pingel. Jon is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Tina Palmer, daughters Tawni Johnston, Brittani Murray, Chelsi Hoodman and their husbands Matt Johnston, Ryan Murray and Christopher Hoodman. Along with grandchildren Mitch Johnston, Jaycee Johnston, Stella Murray and Jaxon Murray.
Steven Rodriguez, former heavy equipment operator
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Paso Robles Daily News.
Former Caltrans heavy equipment operator Steven Rodriguez of Paso Robles passed away on Dec. 1, 2024. He was 47.
Steven was born on Feb. 28, 1977, in King City. He lived there for 40 years before moving to Paso Robles. He was a heavy equipment operator at CalTrans for five years. He worked as a Class A truck driver for almost 10 years.
When he wasn’t at work he enjoyed working on his classic cars. His favorite car was his 1964 SS Impala. Those who knew Steven knew that he was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan, just as his father, Roy, was. His favorite player was Jerry Rice.
He enjoyed barbecuing and spending time with his family. Steven always made sure everyone was fed and felt welcomed when they were at his house. He grew a new love for traveling, his goal was to visit all 50 states. He and his family had traveled to eight out of the 50 states.
Steven especially adored his first and only grandchild, Nikko. He loved his new role as Papa.
Steven was a loyal and kind friend to all. His generosity and love were felt by all who knew him. Steven loved and cared for his wife, Veronica, who was his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Steven was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle and grandfather. Steven became the glue of his family after his father passed away. His humor and kind spirit will forever be missed.
Steven is survived by his wife, Veronica, who he had been happily married to for 29 years. He is survived by his kids Destiny, Leanna, and Issac. He is also survived by his mother, Alice, and his brother, Rey JR. Steven was preceded in death by his father Roy Rodriguez, son Ernesto Rodriguez, nephews Ronald Rodriguez and Joel Lopez, as well as his cousin Albert Velazquez.