Patricia,
I too have always been interested in my Kuddes lineage. My father is John (living in Independence, MO), my Grandfather also John (buried in Sweet Springs, MO) and from there I don't know much. My Grandfather died suddenly when my Father was 1 year, Grandmother remarried, and consequently we lost some needed information for family history. I do know that all of my Kuddes family lived in the Corder, MO area and have heard that from Germany they may have "landed" in Bear Creek (?), Indiana.
I am a Lutheran pastor living north of Austin, Minnesota. I am married with 3 children (2 sons, 1 daughter) and would love to engross them in as much Kuddes family heritage as possible. I plan to go to Germany in 2 years and would like to meet some Kuddes' there as well. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. This is like a dream come true. I have met only 2 other Kuddes' other than my immediate family. My brother has 3 sons, and with my 2 (and my daughters eagerness to keep her name) the Kuddes name will go on from our angle at least. So the more we know about our heritage, the better.
Looking forward to hearing from you! God bless!
Jeff