Jay Michael Woodrick

Jay Michael Woodrick, 40, of Galien, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 24, at 3PM at Portage General Baptist Church, 1765, Portage Rd., Niles, MI, with Pastor Nate Babcock officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date at Galien Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be to his wife, Kristen, to be set aside for their children's education and future. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel & Cremation Services. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com.

Born on October 15, 1985, in Berrien Center, Michigan, to Jerry and LuAnn (Payne) Woodrick, Jay grew up with a love for family, friends, and the outdoors. He attended Galien High School, where he was proud to be part of the school's final graduating class before its closing in 2004. He went on to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where he played baseball and earned his associate degree in Automation Technology.

On September 24, 2011, Jay married the love of his life, Kristen (Plott) Woodrick, in a beautiful ceremony held in his parents' backyard , a day that marked the beginning of their life together.

Jay dedicated nearly a decade to Eagle Technologies as a skilled machine builder before joining Edgewater Automation in Buchanan, where he served as a Project Manager. His work ethic, intelligence, and kindness earned the respect and friendship of many colleagues.

Outside of work, Jay's true joy came from being outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, especially alongside his brother and brother-in-law-and spent countless weekends racing or riding snowmobiles and four-wheelers with friends and family. Every spring and summer, he looked forward to planting and tending a garden with Kristen, and making sun pickles with his children. Jay was also an avid University of Michigan fan and could always be found cheering for his Wolverines on game days.

Jay is survived by his father, Jerry Woodrick; loving wife, Kristen; children, Loralie, Landon and Lainey; siblings, Jillian (Jason) Castello and Jordan (Allie) Woodrick; brother-in-law, Mitchell (Nicole) Plott; mother-in-law, Kimberly (Randy) Bicard; father-in-law, Duane Plott; grandfather, Dick (Dove) Woodrick; loving dog, Boomer; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, LuAnn Woodrick.