Who is Ludwig Rausch from --and Ladies of the Club and what is their importance?

Ludwig Rausch, like many men his age, is a former miltary man. He has dreams of starting a rope factory in Waynesboro. He is married to Sally, and the couple has several children. Ludwig is described as am ambitious, caring, and generous man, who employs a great number of Waynesboro's residents. During tough times, he adjusts production to make any type of rope that will keep his workers on the job.