Ludwig Spiessl, 91

Ludwig Spiessl died on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Good Shepherd Hospice, Lakeland after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helga Spiessl (Lorenz) of Lakeland, FL; his daughters, Jutta Zaccardi (Richard) of Lakeland, FL; Barbara Lauderer (Norbert) of Feldafing, Germany; Andrea Dockery (Carl) of Lakeland, FL; and son, Mark Spiessl (Kalle) of Munich, Germany; along with 7 grandchildren, Jonas, Jordan, Daniel, Nadine, Marie-Christine, Andreas, and Katharine; and 8 great grandchildren.

Ludwig was born in Munich, Germany on December 9, 1931, to Anna and Hermann Spiessl. He was a good student, and eventually trained to become a mason in 1953, but his passion was architecture, so he began studying architecture and graduated with Ingenieurzeugnis degree in Hochbau Architektur in 1956 from Oskar-von-Miller Polytechnikum in Munich, Germany. Whilst playing in a jazz band to supplement his student income, he met a visiting architect from the British architectural firm of F.H.C. Dixon & Associates in Windhoek, Southwest Africa (Namibia). They were looking to expand their operations in Windhoek, Namibia, and asked Ludwig to join the firm. Shortly before Ludwig left post-war Munich, he met his future wife, Helga; from Africa he sent for her, and they were married upon her arrival.

Ludwig continued to excel in his work while in Namibia, going on to work for John Kemp & Associates, but he was excited to see the modern architecture being designed in America! He wrote to the Florida Central Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the then chapter president Wynn Howell, agreed to sponsor Ludwig so that he could come to America. Ludwig, Helga, and daughter Jutta made the voyage to the United States in January 1963. After a brief stint with Howell’s firm, Ludwig subsequently joined Warren Smith Architect. Ludwig passed the Florida State Board of Architecture exams in early 1966 and continued working with Smith until he started his own firm in 1971. Ludwig was well respected for his mid century modern residential work and for his commercial work garnering a variety of clients ranging from Publix Supermarkets to the Catholic Dioceses of Orlando, the Polk County School Board, and Mannheim Auto Auctions to name a few. Contractors often commented that “Ludwig built a fortress.” Many architects were very complimentary over the years of his hand drawn architectural plans and renderings, and the precision of his specifications was legendary. He loved his profession and his industry and was elected President of the Florida Central Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 1977.

Ludwig was also very involved with Rotary International, became a Charter Member of the Lakeland South Rotary Club in 1968, and in 1997-98 served as Club President.

Ludwig was a devoted husband, and after he retired, he and Helga continued to travel the globe together. She often commented that “he could keep a suitcase packed.” He was a loving and supportive father and grandfather, and his advice was often sought by many generations. His humor was that of a true Bavarian, dry and witty.

A celebration of life and reception will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m. and a Mass will be said on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lakeland. The family will have a private graveside service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Ludwig Spiessl Club # 4322 to The Rotary Foundation at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate Or donations may be mailed to: The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693. USA Tel: 1-866-976-8279 (toll-free) rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org

at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

The family would like to thank Dr. Graham Greene, and the nurses and staff of Lakeland Regional Health and of Good Shepherd Hospice for their attentive care.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Heath Funeral Chapel.