Nancy Ludwig

Nancy Jo Ludwig, 65, of Langdon, ND passed away Friday, October 2, 2015 at Cavalier County Memorial Hospital in Langdon, ND after a battle with cancer.

Nancy was born on August 3, 1950 to Fred and Lucie (Ridley) Ludwig. She grew up on their family farm bordering the Numedahl River Valley. She attended the one room Bergman Country School for her first grade with her friend Judy Carlson. The schoolteacher, Edla Engdahl, later became her aunt when she married Nancy's uncle, Arthur Ridley. The country school kids were transferred to the Langdon Public School where she graduated from in 1967.

As an administrative assistant to William Gilfillan, Program Director of Morrison-Knudsen Construction Company, Nancy was directly involved in the building of the nation’s first Anti-Ballistic Missile Base of President Nixon's Safeguard Program near Nekoma. She married William's brother, Asa Gilfillan, in a private ceremony at the park-like setting of her parent’s farm. Along with Asa's three children, they lived in Hawaii, Florida and Alaska where her husband oversaw other Morrison – Knudsen Construction projects including the Trans–Alaskan Pipeline and the Terminal at Valdez, AK. Tragically, Asa was killed in an avalanche in Alaska. Nancy returned to live at her family farm and to the University of North Dakota, where she earned a BA degree in Native American Studies. Nancy also was an administrative assistant to Scott Stewart at his law office in Langdon for many years.

Nancy's interest in the healing arts became a later career choice. She earned massage therapy certification credits in a variety of classes instructed by leaders in their respective therapies, such as myofascial relief, cranial sacral therapy, and through healing by swimming with the dolphins. Nancy traveled extensively in Europe, the Far East, and the US, often with her parents. She also joined them while they volunteered with the Peace Corps in St. Vincent, an island in the Caribbean.

Nancy is best remembered by her intellect and her ability to converse with a depth of knowledge especially in subjects related to world history, politics, social studies and Native American affairs. She was exceptionally well versed in Middle East politics and terrorism. In the 1990s, Nancy was recognized for her work during the North Dakota State Capitol Legislative sessions with Attorney General Bill Heigaard.

Nancy was active at the Langdon Curling Club and golfing at the Langdon Country Club. She earned awards in competitive skydiving and enjoyed sports fishing in Alaska and Mexico, traveling, cooking, and anthropology. She spent time berry picking, swimming, and canoeing in the summer at the Numedahl River Valley along with cross country skiing down the frozen river in the winter with her uncle, Arthur.

Nancy was dedicated to caring for her mother in the last five years of her mother’s life. After her death, she was able to enjoy a few years before being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a wonderful example on how to remain positive and not complain while dealing with both sickness and caregiving.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by many cousins and two aunts.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND.