Thomas (Tom) Edward Wodrich

1946 ~ 2020 (age 74)

Obituary & Services

Tribute Wall

Obituary

Thomas Edward Wodrich, 74, went to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, October 24, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona.

Tom was born on July 1, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to Alfred E. and Clara Wodrich. He graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1964, and began a career with Sears shortly after. He met his wife, Mary Kay, in 1966 at a friend’s house and on May 11, 1968 they were married.

Tom lived and worked in Chicago until 1980, when he moved with his family to Tucson, Arizona. After he retired from Southwest Gas in 2008, he moved again to Glendale to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He was active in his local community and church.

He was a fan and supporter of high school basketball, all things Chicago – Cubs, Sox, Bulls and Bears, and the University of Arizona Wildcats. In high school he was a talented athlete, playing basketball all four years. He never slowed down with his athletic endeavors and continued to play basketball, including competing in the Senior Olympics, while picking up weightlifting, tennis and racquetball along the way.

Tom was a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather, and steadfast friend. He never met a stranger, and truly loved his neighbor as himself. Quick witted, fast to smile and share a good story, he was also a wonderful listener, encourager and had a lot of wisdom to share. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Wodrich; his children and their spouses, Jennifer (Scott) Brower, Jeffrey (Esther) Wodrich, and Sarah (Bradley) Dorman; and 14 grandchildren, Isaac Brower, Andrew Brower, Jonathan Brower, Amya Brower, Santos Brower, Betty Brower, Julian Brower, Renna Brower, Christian Wodrich, Clara Wodrich, Thomas Wodrich, Peter Wodrich, William Dorman, and Alexander Dorman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Clara Wodrich, and his brother Fredrick Wodrich.

An open house to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 1:00-3:00pm at 12617 N. 58th Drive, Glendale Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ironwood High School Basketball via PayPal @ihseaglesbball or check (send to IHS Basketball, c/o Jennie Brower, 12617 N 58th Drive, Glendale Arizona 85304). Please leave “In honor of Tom Wodrich” in the notes/memo section.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas (Tom) Edward Wodrich, please visit our floral store.

Services

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday
November 21, 2020
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Private Home
12617 N. 58th Dr
Glendale, AZ 85304

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Tom was an excellent athlete in High School and a very nice guy. I have a vivid memory of playing a game at Lindbloom or Wescott where Tom went up for a shot and a huge guy leaped up to block the shot and came down on Tom. Tom was a thin guy and this guy completely covered him up on the floor. He was erased! As the huge guy slowly got up and off him Tom bounced up, calmly hit his two free throw shots, and kept playing.

Rest in peace, Tom

Nov 15, 2020