Gary A. Woditsch's Obituary
Gary A. Woditsch passed away peacefully at his home on the 16th of September 2022. He was born in Stalingrad on the 5th of December in 1932, the only child of Julia Grigoriev Pirfilieva and Frank Woditsch.
Gary grew up and attended school in Saint Clair Shores Michigan. It was there that his love of the natural world and horses grew as a young boy exploring the surrounding woods and fields. Later as a young man, he learned the art of fly fishing and discovered a favorite place to find trout and peace of mind: the beautiful Au Sable River in northern Michigan.
Gary received Ph.B. and M.A. degrees from the University of Detroit, where he studied engineering and became a scholar of the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He served in the U.S Army during the Korean War.
After receiving his doctorate degree at the University of Michigan, Gary accepted a position at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. As Director of the National Center for Competency-Based Undergraduate Education, he developed curricula to improve thinking and problem-solving skills for new college students. He is the author, with his great friend and mentor, John Schmittroth, of The Thoughtful Teacher’s Guide to Thinking Skills. Of this book, Dr. Harold Hodgkinson, former Director of the National Institute of Education commented: "We have a little over 2 million teachers in America's schools and colleges. The best way to improve our educational system, stem to stern, would be for all of them to read this book during their Christmas break." Gary also published many articles in educational journals.
Gary’s gift of writing was demonstrated in his personal life too – he wrote poetry and lovely, poignant blessings for baptisms, marriages, and special occasions for family and close friends. He was appreciated for his wit and clever wordplay which often elicited uproarious glee during family celebrations. His letters to loved ones and friends are treasured.
Gary’s interests were many, yet profound. A fine illustrator, designer, and sculptor he produced many beautiful works of art over the years. He read widely on many subjects, but his true love was the study of Philosophy and the nature of God. His powerful and unflagging faith underlay all his work and play and was always evident to those who knew him.
Gary will be greatly missed for his warmth and generosity, his sense of humor and delightful robust laughter. He valued people and enjoyed finding common ground with new friends from all walks of life. He savored his favorite things - a good book, music, a beautiful sunset, a playful beloved pet - much more when he could share them with those he loved. He had a gift for illuminating the small but precious beauties and mysteries of life for those of us who might have missed them.
Gary is with his Father in heaven and reunited now with his dear parents. He was predeceased by his son Clifton Gabler and is survived by his beloved wife, June Gabler Woditsch, his children: Shawn Gabler, Julie Fox, Beth Gabler, Lisa Woditsch, Thomas Woditsch, Adrian Astrakhan, James Gabler, and Karen Janes Woditsch, as well as fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many dear friends.
The Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Friday, September 30, 2022. Reception immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Anglers of the Au Sable,
Post Office Box 200, Grayling, Michigan 49738.
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