Sept. 29, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Former Illinois State student-athlete Dede Woytowych, 23, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning at her home.
Woytowych was a four-year letterwinner as a member of the Redbird swimming and diving team from 2001-04 and served as a student coach last season. The Naperville, Ill., resident joined the Waubonsie Valley High School staff in the fall as a physical education teacher and girls swim coach.
Illinois State head swimming and diving coach Steve Paska was obviously saddened by the news.
"The whole situation is just shocking," Paska said. "People had to know Dede to know the true meaning of what she meant to me and our team. She touched so many lives in so many ways. She was friendly and caring. Dede's smile would light up the room and she had a flamboyance and confidence about her that you knew she was going to be successful in the classroom, in the water or in life."
Woytowych claimed ISU's Newcomer of the Year Award her freshman season. Also during her rookie collegiate year, Woytowych won the 1000-meter freestyle event against Bradley and placed second in the 500-meter freestyle at Akron. Despite a promising debut season, Woytowych's swimming career was slowed during her sophomore season due to medical reasons.
Before ISU, at Neuqua Valley High School, Woytowych claimed four school records in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter medley and 200-meter freestyle medley. She was also a member of the state champion medley relay team her junior and freshman seasons. Her prep team claimed third place in state her freshman year, while she served as the team captain for three seasons. In 1999, she was named to the Upstate Conference All-Academic Team.
Visitation
Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1-9 p.m.
Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home
24021 W. Royal Worlington Drive
Naperville, IL 60564
Phone: 630-922-9630
For directions to the funeral home
Memorial Service
Monday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.
Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home
24021 W. Royal Worlington Drive
Naperville, IL 60564
Phone: 630-922-9630
For directions to the funeral home
Memorials to: American Heart Association
Send Memorials to:
Richard & Denise Woytowych
10240 Sunridge Dr.
Naperville, IL 60564-5820
