Lorrie Woycik of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at Hospice on July 13, 2024. Lorrie had not slowed down at age 93. She wanted to be involved in all types of fun and fought passionately for “her kids.” She never took a no for an answer when fundraising. She never knew a stranger, and everyone got a Lorrie hug.
She was born March 31, 1931, in New Rockford, N.D. to Rev. Erwin and Emma (Haak) Spruth. She lived in Staten Island, N.Y. After graduating from Port Richmond High School, she attended Valparaiso University (1948-1952). She received a B.S. in Physical Ed. with a minor in English. On June 20, 1953, she married Barney Woycik, who was a local athlete and a WWII veteran. They enjoyed being a family in Valpo and became avid skiers. Lorrie was a teacher in first grade in Chesterton from 1952-1953. After becoming pregnant with Cheryl, Lorrie stayed at home with her children while she tutored young children. She was asked to consider teaching mentally-handicapped children who were not allowed in school because of their disabilities. She agreed with a yes (starting in a church basement) and never looked back - it became a life-long love affair. Their own school, Vale Day School, was a new and radical idea. Lorrie believed that she was gifted by God with “her kids”. Her educational techniques and lobbying efforts on behalf of her kids have become legendary throughout Indiana. Her success translated into the founding of SELF School in 1971. (Special Education Learning Facility). Lorrie began Special Olympics in 1969 and coached every sport available as they were offered. She was still coaching in her 90s. She served on the S.O. board and still offered encouragement and advice though not an active member. The spillover of her talents into Opportunity Enterprise have been welcomed by the administration and clientele who proudly declared themselves to be one of “Lorrie’s Kids.” Her appointment to the Valparaiso School Board was validation of the talent Lorrie brought to the table for all of education. Lorrie was honored with many awards throughout her career. Each time she was humble and felt she did not earn it, as “her “kids'' were the heroes.” Her active memberships at Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club kept her grounded in faith and community service. Her faith and love in the Lord has been a #1 part of her life always following Jesus and feeling His joy.
Her 60-year marriage to Barney ended with his passing Sept. 8, 2013. She is survived by daughters, Cheryl Grebe (Stan deceased) of Colorado, Carol (Ed) Noland of Valparaiso and daughter-in-law, Barb of Colorado. Grandchildren: Jacob (Karen), Joshua (Kathy), Justin (Tara), Brian (Crystal) Grebe, Amy (Dominic) Ricevuto, Brandon (Abby) Grebe; and 16 great grandchildren. Lorrie may have been busy, but family was still a priority. She was involved with her grandkids and great grandkids lives going to every event possible. She was also preceded in death by her son, Mark Woycik in May of 2019, and Stan Grebe in 2014.
The memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. You may gather in the narthex from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. without family. Immediately following the service until 5 pm will be “Lorrie Story” time. There will be opportunities to either write a story, video your story, as well as share a story with her family. All will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Lorrie to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School or Porter County Special Olympics. Please disregard any commercial ads for other ways to honor Lorrie, they are not part of her wishes. Click here to watch the recorded memorial service.
GUESTBOOK
I am grateful Lorrie graced me with a part of her life. Her compassion, community service, and love of special kids was a great example for all of us. All of us want to be missed when we are gone and Lorrie will be missed by many. -Jon Groth
Lorrie was THE SPECIAL OLYMPIAN! Her events were coaching, Polar Plunging, and CARING. In caring she was a GOLD MEDALIST! Lorrie’s four loves in life were her Lord and savior, her family, her “kids”, and sports. Her faith sustained a lifetime of service and equipped her to face death with confident hope in the promise that God has prepared a SPECIAL place for her in heaven. For her “kids” and all those who knew her, she was a SPECIAL LADY! -Phil & Karen Bickel
Our deepest sympathies to the Woycik family. Lorrie made such a difference in every life that she touched. She was my youngest sister's teacher, coach and friend to our whole family. We are so blessed to have known her, and grateful for her guidance for our family and my sister. Words really can't express how much we loved her. Rest in peace Lorrie!! Love the Behagel Family, -Cathy Behagel Ellis
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to you. Your mom co-sponsored me into the noon Kiwanis group when my sponsor could not be at that meeting when I got inducted. Your mom was always so loving and kind to me and I did not know her until I joined this group in 2019. She had many of us over for lunch and would not let us bring anything. We all fell in love with her dog, BUSTER. When Lorrie went into Hospice, I asked about Buster. I have Buster and will give this sweet dog the same love and care that Lorrie gave. RIP my beautiful friend and your memory, hugs, and kindness will remain in many of our hearts forever. -Donna Cummins
I’m so sorry for your loss she was a wonderful person and awesome person and amazing friend I will miss her so so much she watch all us. -Janice Taylor
My and prayers are with you and the rest of Your family. -Lee Anne Bettenhausen
She was a beautiful soul glad I had a chance to have her in my life rip Lorrie. -Amanda Duncan
We appreciate all the support and dedication Lorrie gave to SOIN athlete leadership. She believed with all her heart and soul in the potential of athlete leaders and their ability to change the world. Lorrie was a force of nature and Athlete Leadership University we will not be the same without her. We will miss her. -SOIN Athlete Leadership team (Elesia, Jillian, Erin, and Maddison)
We the people of Kompiam Ambum pass our deepest condolences to Lorrie Woycik and her immediate family members. May her soul rest in eternal peace. -Lucas Bruno
