Lorrie Woycik

1931 - 2024

Lorrie Woycik

Mar 31, 1931 - Jul 13, 2024

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.

The service will be livestreamed.