Frank P. Woidat

Frank was born in Chicago on January 1, 1932, grew up in Bridgeport’s Lithuanian community on the South Side, and began venturing into the wider world at an early age. A graduate of St. George Elementary School and Roosevelt Military Academy, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 from the University of Notre Dame as a first-generation student with a major in political science. In addition to being an honor student and valuing his education, Frank made the most of his passions for sports and music during his school years. He was an accomplished athlete in football and track, earning school records in sprint events, and played the saxophone in jazz band. Notre Dame remained a cornerstone in Frank’s life with spiritual connections his family came to share, and he was proud that all four of his children graduated from the university.

After graduation, Frank served as an Army military policeman in Huntsville, Alabama, before returning to Chicago and beginning what would become a long career in textile sales. There he met the love of his life, Marilyn Giedemann. They wed on April 15, 1961 and enjoyed 63 years of happy marriage, parenting, and grandparenting. After living in Oak Park as newlyweds, they bought their first house in Elmhurst, a city they would return to after many decades in the home they built in St. Charles. Throughout their years together, Frank and Marilyn modeled a marriage based on unwavering love, admiration, and dedication.

Family meant everything to Frank, who was a nurturing, supportive father of four children and eleven grandchildren. He was a coach to his children in many ways on and off courts and playing fields. Frank played lively tennis matches with his family, coached his daughter’s basketball team to a first-place finish, cheered at all his children’s games and meets, and raised two generations of Notre Dame and White Sox fans. Most importantly, he avidly taught others to appreciate life’s journey more than any victory or accomplishment–to laugh, to give thanks each day for blessings, and to keep faith and hope even in the darkest times.

A lover of animals and nature who was generous with his charity, Frank held close affinity with his namesake Saint Francis. He took pleasure in gardening, feeding and watching birds, caring for pet cats, spending family vacation time on beaches and in mountains–all forms of his constant rejoicing in God’s creation. Frank and Marilyn were active members of St. Patrick Parish (St. Charles), counseling couples before marriage and working with fellow parishioners to promote peace and social justice issues. He demonstrated his compassion for others by volunteering his time to serve the homeless and those in crisis. Generous in his kindness, he made the world a better place and inspired others to do the same.

Deeply cherished by his family and friends, Frank will be greatly missed and dearly remembered. His legacy will be carried forth by his loving family as they continue to be guided by his shining example of the art of being human.

Frank is survived by his wife Marilyn Woidat; children: Caroline Woidat (Ken Cooper), Thomas (Colette) Woidat, James Woidat (Carla Barros), and Nancy (Steve) Morley; grandchildren: Dalton, Nora, Emily (Morgan D’Arcy), Elizabeth, Reed, Katherine, Jeanette, Anna, Charlie, and Grace.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Helen, nee Gramont and Frank Woidat; brothers, Edward and Richard Woidat; and grandson, William Woidat.

Private services will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Notre Dame, IN.

Gifts in memory of Frank can be made to any of the following organizations:

Will Woidat Health and Wellness Fund at the University of Dayton at: www.givecampus.com/campaigns/7956/donations/new?pdesignation=willwoidathealthandwellnessmemorialfund

The Institute for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame at: https://giving.nd.edu/ Please enter/select “Institute for Social Concerns (formerly the Center for Social Concerns)” in the Designation box.

The Nature Conservancy at: https://preserve.nature.org/