Kenneth H. Woodruff

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Valparaiso High School

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Valparaiso, Indiana

Kenneth Woodruff Obituary

KENNETH H. WOODRUFF VALPARAISO, IN Kenneth H. Woodruff, age 76, died at his home on Friday, May 14, 2010 with his family by his side. Ken was born October 1, 1933 in Chicago, IL to the late George and Rose (nee Daganais) Woodruff. Ken graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1951, Indiana University B.S. in 1955, and M.S. in 1956. He served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, 1956-1958. Ken taught Economics and Government, was a guidance counselor, and then Director of Adult Education at Portage Township High Schools, until his retirement in 1991. He received many awards and honors for his dedication to education and literacy at the state and local level, among them Indianapolis Star "Jefferson Award" for community service and the Outstanding Adult Educator in Indiana, both in 1978, Porter County Youth Service Bureau Award, 1982, and I.U. School of Education Outstanding Alumni Award, 1991. Ken served on the Valparaiso City Council for eight years, the BZA and Plan Commission, as well as various community advisory boards. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church for more than 60 years. His sense of humor, love of people, and gentle kindness will always be remembered. Survived by wife, Barbara K. (nee Lennon) Woodruff of Valparaiso, IN, who he married on June 23, 1956 in South Bend, IN; children: Jim (Patricia) Woodruff of San Francisco, CA, Margo (John) Oglesby of Valparaiso, IN, and Kay (Bob) Magnetti of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren: Jay, Meghan, and Mark Oglesby, Mia, Michael, and Mary Ellen Magnetti; sister, Eleanor (Charles) Boswell of FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother, George Woodruff Jr. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. from the Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN with Rev. Joseph Pawlowski officiating. Cremation, Calvary Crematory, Portage, IN. Friends may call at the Dykes Funeral Home on Monday, May 17, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Wake Service at 5:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to VNA Hospice or St. Paul Catholic Church. Arrangements by Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. (219) 462-3125.

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Published by The Times from May 16 to May 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Woodruff

12 Entries

May 20, 2010

Dear Woodruff family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your husband and father. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you at this time of sorrow. Love, Pamela (Edwards) Bartelmann

May 20, 2010

Dear Woodruff Family: My prayers go out to all in this time of grief. I want you all to know that I feel like I am a better person having known Mr. Woodruff and all of the Woodruff Family!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mr. Woodruff will live on in some small way in of all of our hearts that he has touched!!!
God Bless...Steve Carichoff (Valparaiso, IN/Dallas, TX)

Dan Christ

May 19, 2010

Dear Barbara, Jim, Margo and Kay:

With the deepest and sincerest of sympathies I write these words of condolence, knowing they are felt even more so by countless others who knew Ken Woodruff much better than I. But I feel doubly fortunate to have experienced Ken in one unique way and in the manner of the most treasured of friendships.

I may be the only one who can say that the very day Ken and Barbara began the magnificent communion that would characterize their long and loving marriage; I began a life that would eventually lead me to meet Jim 29 years ago this very month. On a basketball court no less and in the community in which we both continue to live.

Everything I have witnessed and cherished in this rich friendship is everything I know must have been what made Ken the wonderfully outstanding man, husband and father that everyone knew him to be. Clearly the apples never fall far from the tree when that Midwest tree stands so tall and so strong.

And so unforgettable.

My wife’s and my prayers, and my fondest memories, will remain with you all.

John and Susan Cowsert

May 17, 2010

What a wonderful teacher and counselor Mr. Woodruff was..We enjoyed him our years at PHS..We were so happy that he came and spoke at our Alumni Dinner Dance several years ago...It was good to see he still had his great sense of humor...He will be missed..Susan Smith Cowsert. class of 65 PHS..

Cindy Hess-Luth

May 17, 2010

Dear Jim & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May the joyful & lighthearted memories of your dad, grandfather, husband, brother and uncle, help you thru this most difficult time. May God bless...

Jim LaVelle

May 17, 2010

Dear Family,

Ken and I shared five aunts on our Mothers' side and one of his running jokes was to swear to each of them on every occasion that they were his favorite aunt. Well, Ken, you were always everyone’s favorite cousin, nephew, uncle, brother, dad, and friend. No joke. Thank you for that.

Linda Louderback-Sausman

May 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

John Ruge

May 17, 2010

Sincere condolences to the family of a great man. Ken influenced my life. His humor and sincere interest in all of us "valpo boys" was unique and valued. My prayers are with you at this time.

Kerry Sroufek

May 17, 2010

Kay - words cannot express the sorrow in our hearts for you in the loss of your Father. When I say that we know in our hearts how you feel and what you are going through, you know it's the truth - you have been there watching Craig and I losing the ones we love and who have nurtured us along the way - there is no love like the one that a parent has for a child. Gather the strength from those around you and hold your love for your Dad and the memories close to your heart - he will be there to guide you. Condolences to your Mom and your siblings. Love to you !

Kerry, Rudy, Haley and Adam

Lynn Sade

May 16, 2010

Jim, Margo and family,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!

Donna Babcock Cabrera

May 16, 2010

My condolences to Mr. Woodruff's family. I was his student at PHS and was a graduate of the Class of 71. I wish I could personally give this to you, but I live out of the country. May God give you peace at this time. He was a great teacher. God bless you all. Donna Babcock Cabrera (El Salvador)

Nancy Rodgers

May 16, 2010

Jim and family,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I know that my step-mom Linda Smith and my dad Robert Smith knew your dad and worked with him. I am sorry that I can not make it to the funeral but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.

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