Eugene Woroch

1922 - 2015

Dr. Eugene L. Woroch, age 93, a resident of Lake Forest for 47 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20, 2015. Gene was a loving husband and involved father and grandfather who delighted in his family and all of their activities. A kind, generous and intelligent person who took a genuine interest in the lives of those around him, Gene was much loved and will be missed by many. Born March 18, 1922, the youngest of three boys, Gene learned early the importance of hard work, frugality and education, virtues which he lived by throughout his life. He attended the University of Wisconsin and earned a PhD in Chemistry. During his time there, Gene fell in love with one of his laboratory students, Anna Jean Reppen, whom he married in 1949 and together they moved to Rochester, Minnesota where Gene had a Fellowship in Chemistry at the Mayo Clinic. While there he worked on the production of cortisone as a research scientist under the guidance of Dr. Edward C. Kendall, a winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Later at Glidden Company (Soya Products Division) Gene worked for Dr. Percy Julian, an eminent scientist in steroid research. In 1958, Gene joined Abbott Laboratories (Pharmaceutical Products Division), as a research organic chemist. His career at Abbott lasted 28 years in which he held several research positions, ending his career as Director, Pharmaceutical Research and Development. During his time with Abbott, Gene attended the University of Chicago's Executive Program and received an MBA. After retirement, he joined the Board of The Clara Abbott Foundation, a charity he was passionately involved with for 25 years, serving as its President from 1993 to 1998. He also served on the Board of A Safe Place, a charity supporting victims of domestic violence. An active member of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, Gene served on numerous committees and was an Elder and Deacon. Gene loved to sing and joined church choirs throughout his life. He also enjoyed Barber Shop Quartets and was a member of the "Commuters", a popular Lake Forest group. A charming and charitable person, adored by his wife and family he will be remembered for his humor, warmth, intelligence and giving nature as a husband, a father and a friend. Dr. Woroch is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anna Jean (A.J.), and his children Craig; Susan (Mark) Sanborn; Wendy (Steven) Barmore; and Scott (Marian Vobach) as well as his grandchildren Benjamin and Kevin Woroch; Hayes, Stet (Steve Korovesis) and Jay Sanborn; Matthew and Elizabeth Barmore; Emma, Grace and Rep Woroch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anna (Renick) Woroch, and his two brothers, Chester and Richard. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 1 at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 North Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Info - Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, 847-234-0022. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Erie Neighborhood House of Chicago (www.eriehouse.org) or The First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest (Choir/Music Fund) (www.firstchurchlf.org)