Neila Albertine Lodeen Kohlstaedt Ludwig passed away peacefully April 27, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Mililani, Hawaii.
Neila, known as Mitzi to her friends and family, lived her entire life in Hoquiam, Washington, until a decline in health caused her to move permanently to Hawaii to be cared for by family.
Her first job after graduating from Hoquiam High School in 1956 was as a telephone operator for Pacific Northwest Bell. She then worked 34 years in various capacities for the Hoquiam School District, retiring in 2002 as the district’s personnel director. She was a lifelong member of Our Saviour’s (now Amazing Grace) Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, Washington, a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Mililani, as well as a member of the Sons of Norway, the Lacey Midday Lion’s Club, the Miliani Lion’s Club, the Dance Club of Grays Harbor and various other service organizations.
In her early years, Mitzi was an artist who created beautiful pastels. She fulfilled a lifelong dream when she earned her associates degree from Grays Harbor College in 1983.
She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and feeding people. Mitzi loved to dance and travel. She loved to volunteer and help others, but most of all she loved her family.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Loren Kohlstaedt in 1970; her parents Olaf and Leonora (Jensen) Lodeen (1990 and 2007 respectively), her second husband Dave Ludwig in 1996 and her brother, Erven Lodeen in 2009.
She is survived by her daughters, Lori Kohlstaedt (Glen Lindwall) of Berkeley, California and Linda Kohlstaedt (William Belcher) of Mililani, Hawaii; her beloved only grandchild, W.L. Alexander Belcher of Bellingham, Washington; a nephew Kevin Lodeen (Joy) and two nieces, Karin Nealon (Tom) and Darcy Bain (Russell Brown).
Mitzi will be forever remembered as a vibrant, generous, loving mother, grandmother and friend who could light up the room with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh.
A memorial service will be held at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Aberdeen on July 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to a charity or church of your choice or Christ Lutheran Church, 95-1361 Meheula Pkwy, Mililani, HI 96789.
