Dr. Michael Leo Kudla

Dr. Michael Leo Kudla, 76, passed away on August 2, 2023. He was born in Austin, Texas on June 24, 1947 to Elizabeth “Betty” and Norman Kudla. Michael lived throughout Southern Louisiana as a child and graduated from Buras High School where he had fond memories of playing football and being on the debate team. He attended Michigan State University and graduated from LSU in 1969. He majored in History and was a member of the Fiji fraternity. 

He and his first wife, Joellen Lee, then moved to Dallas, Texas where he attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and graduated in 1973. Dr. Kudla then completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, TX. In 1977, he began his practice in Lake Charles, LA and retired in 2005. He chose to practice medicine because of its appeal, saying, "It was a balance of science with the opportunity to have a great deal of interaction and connection with people."

He married his second wife, Marilyn Kimball Kudla, in 1998.

He served as President of the Physician's Health Foundation of Louisiana from 2006-2009. He was a member of First United Methodist Church for many years and enjoyed helping the community of SWLA. He was active in and served on the boards of many organizations including Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Harbor House, Calcasieu Community Clinic, Calcasieu Parish Medical Society, Louisiana State Medical Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

He is survived by his children, Jeffery Michael Kudla (Carrie) and Colleen Kudla Arceneaux (Alex), his brother, Mitchell Alan Kudla (Ginger), and his four grandchildren, Mia, Leo, Owen and Miles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Kimball Kudla, his parents and his sister, Barbara Kudla Harris (Ralph).

He was a lifelong learner and will be remembered for his love of playing bridge, sailing and reading.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, located at 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA. Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 PM until the start of the service at 3:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to Harbor House or First United Methodist Church.