Ludwig Schiessl, 76, of Baldwinsville, NY and formerly of Kearsarge NH, died March 18, 2014 after a long illness. He and his wife Dorothy had vast knowledge of the White Mountains and amassed an important collection of White Mountain memorabilia.
Born in Cham, Bavaria the son of Johann and Antonie Schiessl. Ludwig emigrated from Germany at age 23 to New York City when he was recruited by the New York Athletic Club to represent them as a long-distance runner. After competing in the 2nd Mt. Washington Road Race, he remained in the Mt. Washington Valley where he was hired by Joe Dodge to work for the Appalachian Mt. Club. He packed supplies for the hut system and he later became assistant Hut Master at Pinkham Notch. After that he was employed by Krones Inc, as a labeling machine specialist and traveled throughout the world. In 1986 he was hired as a maintenance supervisor for Anheuser Busch, Baldwinsville, NY where he remained until retirement.
During his competitive running career which began in the early 1960’s, Ludwig medaled and won numerous foot races, competing with the top runners in the world. He made his mark with the NYAC and the BAA running clubs. He also competed in the Millrose Games. Upon retiring to Kearsarge, NH, he continued to run with the White Mountain Milers.
He loved numerous outdoor sports and competitive activities. He biked, canoed, kayaked and competed in cross country ski events, hiked all the NH 4,000 footers in one summer and was devoted to the care of his beloved Mt. Kearsarge, North, which he ran, hiked and explored for over 15 years. Ludwig was also a man of many talents and interests. He was acutely knowledgeable on the subject of the history of the White Mountains of NH. As a craftsman, he pursued wood carving, furniture making and created exquisite Nantucket baskets.
In Bavaria he majored in landscaping and horticulture. While living in Ipswich, MA, Upstate, NY and NH, he propagated and exhibited alpine plants and perennials, some of which he exhibited at the Boston Flower Show, achieving many blue ribbons.
Born with a special voice, Ludwig sang as a child in Germany and also in his later years. He performed as a bass with the Ralph Ferris Choir, The DeCapo Singers, The Mt. Washington Valley Choral Society, The Jackson Community Church Choir, and most recently the Plainville Christian UCC Church Choir.
Ludwig was a member of the Jackson, NH Historical Society, The NH Historical Society, a former member of the American Rock Garden Society, and its CNY chapter, The Primula Society and was a current member of the Old Hutmens Association. Upon returning to CNY he became a member of the Beaver Lake Nature Center where he enjoyed walking the three mile loop and achieved 400 miles while in a state of declining health. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, fishing and completing complicated puzzles.
Ludwig is survived by his wife, Dorothy Friend Schiessl; daughter, Heidi Fogarty; son, Dr. Christopher Schiessl; his step-children, Ann MacDonald, Martha (Timothy) Whiting, Molly (Geoff) Lange, Timothy (Jennifer) MacDonald; his brothers, Johann (Hannelore) Schiessl, Anton (Anna Marie) Schiessl, Bernd (Tina) Schiessl; sisters, Michaela (Wilhelm) Geringer and Steffi (Bernhard) Voelkl.
He will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. To quote author and writer, Steve Caming, in reference to Ludwig “Old Hutmen never die- they’re just waiting up ahead on the trail for you”.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: The MWV Habitat for Humanity, #2 Common Ct., N. Conway, NH 03860 or The Jackson Community Church, PO Box 381, Jackson, NH 03846.