Chi Robert Woodrich, 50, of Salina, KS, peacefully passed away at Salina Regional Hospital on October 6, 2023, with his wife at his side. He was born on March 16, 1973, in Lacrosse, WI, to Joanne and the late George Woodrich.
Chi lived a life guided by humility, gratitude, and commitment to service. He possessed a deep love for his family and friends, always cherishing the moments spent with them. Chi’s faith in God was the foundation of his life, and he found solace and strength in his active membership in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod since his baptism. He was also a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
At the young age of 13, he met the love of his life, Karen, while playing broom ball at Pastor Erdman’s cottage. Their bond deepened over the years, and they exchanged vows on October 21, 1995, at St. John Lutheran Church in the Town of Easton, Wausau, WI. Chi and Karen spent their early years in Wausau, WI enjoying Walther League, Homestead, Sunset Country Store, auctioneering, stock-car racing, weekends up north, and farming: making lifelong friends along the way.
Chi had a diverse career that showcased his talents and passions. He began his professional journey as an auctioneer, working alongside his mother and father in the family business, Woodrich Real Estate & Auctions. Later, he owned his own car hauling business, Chief Auto Transport, after spending many years at the Central Wisconsin Auto Auction. Chi also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Town of Texas in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was known for his commitment to serving his community and church wherever he resided, making friends in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky and Kansas. Most recently, he worked as an animal educator at the Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina. However, his ultimate passion was raising cattle and caring for the land.
Chi’s educational journey was marked by a thirst for knowledge. He graduated from Wausau East High School in 1991 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from the University of Kentucky. Driven by his passion for learning, Chi also completed his coursework for a Master’s Degree in Archaeology.
Chi enjoyed Saturday mornings making firewood with his father-in-law, who dubbed him “CR”. He had a beautiful singing voice and often shared it during church services and special events. He loved history and politics and was a talented artist. He enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and never met a stranger. His laugh and smile were contagious. Everywhere he lived, he formed a special bond with his neighbors, and most recently was a member of the Bayard’s Breakfast Club.
The family would like to thank the medical professionals at Salina Regional Health Center for the care and compassion they provided during his brief stay.
A funeral service for Chi Woodrich will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina, KS, on Monday, October 16, 2023. Visitation will take place from 10am to 12pm, followed by the funeral service. Burial will be 3pm at Crown Point, Culver, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wausau East (WI) FFA or your local 4H/FFA chapter. Additionally, donations to volunteer fire departments would be greatly appreciated.
Chi leaves behind his loving wife of 28 years, Karen (Valent) Woodrich, his mother, Joanne Woodrich of Sun City, AZ, his sister, Noya Woodrich of Brooklyn Park, MN, and his nephew, Tuari Woodrich Landa, also of Brooklyn Park, MN. Additionally, he leaves behind a niece, Mackenzie Collins, and an extended family of in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The impact of Chi’s life will be forever etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.