Obituary for Stephen B. Woodrich (2024)

Woodrich, Stephen B. 12/28/1925 12/27/2022 Of Wayzata, MN, died on December 27, 2022, two hours short of his 97th birthday, when Steve would have said that he was in his 98th year. Born December 28, 1925, to Helen and Oscar Woodrich in Minneapolis, MN. Steve graduated early his senior year from Blake High School in December of 1943, to enlist in the Army's 10th Mountain Division where he served in Italy during World War II. Steve and his F Company, 2nd Battalion, 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment spearheaded the famous night climb on Riva Ridge during the February 1945 offensive to drive the Germans out of northern Italy. Steve was awarded two Bronze Star Medals. He was proud of being a veteran and serving his country. After the war, Steve attended Williams College for two years, then transferred to the University of Minnesota, Business School (Carlson). For the two years he was a student, he was on the wrestling team and a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity. He was a lifelong loyal Gopher supporter. Steve joined the family business, Woodrich Construction Company (Vice President) which built inter-state highways and roads throughout Minnesota and surrounding states for over 80 years. Steve was part of the Woodrich team that paved the first sections of interstate highways in Minnesota (1956) and in North Dakota (1957). Later he sold real estate and then worked for DRC scoring tests in English and Math. As an avid tennis and squash player, he developed many friendships throughout his life through these activities. He was active in Kiwanis, the 10th Mountain Division Association, Hennepin County Library, U of M Carlson alumni, Grace-Trinity Church, and he was President of Associated General Contractors, and President of Concrete Paver's of Minnesota. Always interested in learning, he took classes on-line and was a constant reader of history, current events, books and journals; he was always well read. He watched Jeopardy, Lawrence Welk and sports with family and friends while enjoying a Gibson martini with onions. It was important to him to connect people he knew to stories and other friends. All his family and friends would rely on Steve for his accurate memory and details. He is survived by his daughter, Suzie Woodrich (David Knoblauch); son, Steve Woodrich (Lauri); son- in-law, David Myhre and granddaughters, Chelsea Bacon (Nathan), Haley Woodrich, Molly Myhre and sister-in-law, Ingerid Hayes; nieces, Paisley Pettine, Lynn Foster, and nephew, Charlie Woodrich were especially close to him. Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Jean (married 55 years); daughters, Wendy Armstrong, Connie Myhre; parents, Helen and Oscar; brothers, Warren and Fred and sister, Paisley, all of whom have greeted him in heaven. A special thank you to Dr. Ward Godsall and Dr. Robert Cure (both Allina), for many years of health care, and most recently Dr. Robert Caldwell (Abbott), along with Melissa Katusky, Lor APRN CNP, and the 6th floor Abbott nurses. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank immensely the staff at Wayzata Folkstone Presbyterian Home and Optage Hospice. Because of them, Steve enjoyed his life there for 9 years and was extremely comfortable to the end. Steve has had a huge impact on so many and he will be intensely missed. To quote a friend: "Steve - a sharp dresser, great conversationalist, soldier, athlete, avid sports fan, builder of roads (actual and metaphorically), amazing memory, encyclopedic knowledge, a gentleman, a gentle man, a patriot and a member of the greatest generation". Per Steve's wishes, a memorial gathering "limited to 20 minutes" will be January 14, 2023 12:30 p.m. at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis 55408. If desired, memorials could be directed to the 10th Mountain Division Foundation: 133 South Van Gordon Street, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80228. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 davidleefuneralhome.com

Published on January 8, 2023