Daniel Mata Woodruff

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Daniel Mata Woodruff who was taken from us too soon on August 29 2024. He died at Regions Hospital in St. Paul Minnesota at the tender age of 41. Daniel was born April 24th, 1983, in Chicago Illinois to Carolina Mata Jones and Bradley A. Woodruff. 

He completed his kindergarten year in Elgin Illinois. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Petersburg, Illinois, where he attended Porta School District #202 from elementary to high school. He graduated in 1999. In high school Daniel participated in many sports and school activities. He won an IHSA Regional title in wrestling his freshman year. He ran with the track. He especially loved to participate in the fine arts such as Choir, Jazz band and marching band. He was the lead in several musicals (The Sound of Music and The Secret Garden) at P.O.R.T.A. Daniel was a standout musician, played the trumpet, piano, and guitar. He participated in Illinois Music Educators (IMEA) Association competitions in Chorus and Trumpet where he earned 3rd chair State. He was a member of a Drum and Bugle Corps and traveled across the mid-west to perform in various competitions and university venues. 

He attended Lincoln Land Community College in Beardstown and Springfield, IL and earned an Associate of Arts. He also attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. 

Daniel held many jobs during his life working on the family horse farm, in food service industry, including catering services at local hotels in the Springfield area. He did farm work and farm labor jobs and construction in Grand Forks, ND, Springfield, IL and Memphis, TN.

Daniel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Berta H. Mata and Jesus Mata Jr. of Crystal City, TX and his Paternal grandfather Hubert W. Woodruff of Salem, IL and uncles Adolfo H. Mata and David H. Mata. 

Daniel is survived by his parents, Carolina Mata Jones of Minneapolis Minnesota, his father Bradley A. Woodruff of Coldwater, MS, his sister Veronica Elena Mata Woodruff of Carbondale, Illinois and his children, Gabriel and Juliet Woodruff of Springfield Illinois; Kristian and Kieran Woodruff of Bemidji Minnesota and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Daniel’s passion for music began at an early age growing grew up in a family of musicians, singers and performers. He expressed himself through compositions on piano and his guitar. He wrote and sang all his own songs throughout his life. His music was influenced by Chris Cornell and Eddie Vetter with Pearl Jam. He frequently attended their concerts and was thrilled when Eddy Vetter encouraged him to pursue music. He enjoyed playing and singing with family and friends as well as performing at many local venues. 

His greatest loves were his children. He loved spending time bonding, fishing and bowling. He always looked forward to the next visit and scheduling plans for what they would do together. He never forgot to send birthday or Christmas gifts and other special occasions. 

Daniel will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. May he be in God’s Glory and rest in eternal peace.