Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
William Thomas Woidat
William Thomas Woidat
Obituary
Guest Book
William Woidat Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
William was born on April 7th, 2000, to Thomas and Colette Woidat in Lake Forest, IL. He grew up in Lake Bluff and graduated from Lake Forest High School in 2018, where he balanced a rigorous AP courseload, excelled as a pitcher on the varsity Scouts baseball team, and served as an assistant coach for youth travel baseball programs.
Growing up, William was an avid sports lover and natural athlete. In addition to baseball, which was the focal point of his athletic pursuits, William loved playing basketball, golf, and tennis in his leisure time. He also found solace in distance running outside, especially at the Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve at Elawa Farm. William's favorite sports teams were the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, and he enjoyed cheering them on and chirping their opponents when watching the games with family and friends.
William graduated from the University of Dayton in 2023, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematical Economics while participating in intramural sports and the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
William will also be remembered for his passion for music, which included a love of sharing newly discovered genres and songs and attending concerts with loved ones. His immense degree of empathy, compassion, gentleness, and kindness to everyone he encountered fostered many lifelong friendships from both the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest community as well as the University of Dayton. He was incredibly close with his immediate family members and always made them a priority, along with his affectionate and supportive girlfriend, Olivia.
William is the loving son of Thomas E. Woidat and Colette M. Woidat (nee Szmergalski); cherished brother to Emily (Morgan D'Arcy), Elizabeth, and Katherine Woidat; adored grandson of Frank P. and Marilyn Woidat (nee Giedemann), and the late Raymond and Cecilia M. Szmergalski (nee Kluk); beloved nephew of 12 aunts and uncles and cousin to 16.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, preceded by a visitation at the Church beginning at 9:30 AM.
The Mass will be livestreamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/eXXhGce8qrA?feature=share. Interment will be private.
For further information � please call Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or visit their website at www.RTfunerals.com.
Memorial contributions in William's name may be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, 671 South Lewis Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085 or at www.catholiccharities.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sally Blount, President and CEO
April 4, 2024
On behalf of Catholic Charities, I would like to express my sincere condolences on your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that William is now at peace.
Evan Herkins
April 2, 2024
When I met Will, we became fast friends over our shared love for baseball and music. Every time I made a visit to Chicago, it was always a joy to talk his White Sox or my Phillies, or kick it in the Brady’s basement and share new songs with one another. My lasting memory of Will is from this past summer when we were at Lollapalooza and I got to see, in real time, the joy he had discovering Peach Pit, a band he had never heard before - he was asking me the name of every song as each one was played. It’s that genuine passion and authenticity about everything that defined my time with Will.
Emmet Brady
April 2, 2024
Emmet Brady
April 2, 2024
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Emmet Brady
April 2, 2024
Emmet Brady
April 2, 2024
The kindest, funniest, most genuine guy I´ll ever meet. He always gave and never took. Thank you for everything Will
Parker Martin
April 1, 2024
I was classmates with Will when I was in Mr. Brown's class in 4th/5th grade multi-age and despite being a grade older than Will, I always looked up to him. I remember one day we were learning about how letters can be used as variables and I just couldn't wrap my head around it. Will understood the concept right away with a humbleness that inspired me to think more deeply about math. I also remember all the fun everyone had playing online flash games in our class free time, and the day that Will finished level 50 of Run before anyone else. I'll always cherish those little moments. I'm glad to have been in class with you Will.
Tom Brown
March 30, 2024
This tragic news breaks my heart. I was Will’s teacher in Multiage (4/5) about 11-12 years ago. My only regret is that it wasn’t grades 4-6. He was truly an integral member if our classroom community. Will, you will be ever missed my friend.
My condolences and greatest sympathy to his wonderful parents and 3 sisters.
Lincoln Updike
March 28, 2024
He was my best/only friend in math class sophomore year at LFHS, we would get our problems done early and then hang out or watch videos the rest of class. I will always remember laughing with will.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
1407 N. Western Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Make a Donation
in William Woidat's name
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Woidat's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
