Though his name appears in the records of Immanuel Lutheran church near Clarinda, Iowa as Heinrich Frederick Ludwig, he was always known as Louis, son of Carl & Caroline Rurode. He was baptized on Jun 19, 1892. His sponsors were Heinrich L. Wagoner and Diedrich Rurode. He attended local public school and Immanuel Lutheran School prior to confirmation.

He married Amelia Soloman whose family were close neighbors. Their first farm was in Nodaway Township, Page Co., Iowa on what was called Snake Creek. This was a favorite place for family members to go fishing in the summer. The writer remembers their little dog who climbed a tree with a crooked trunk in their house yard.

They later moved to a farm near Coin, Page Co., Iowa. After his wife died, he could no longer farm and take care of his disabled daughter. After having made arrangements for her care, he eventually ceased farming and moved to a small home in Clarinda, Iowa. While he lived there, he often lent a hand to his brother-in-law Walter Baumgarten who also lived in Clarinda on a small retirement acreage. Walter often said, "Together, we make a pretty good man."

Lou was diabetic, so his sister Laura was glad to have him come to meals as she could be sure he was eating properly.

He was a quiet, gentle man who loved to play cards. His wife's family were also ardent card players. [written Jul 9, 2006]