Wendy Jo (VanNortwick) Latcham

Today, our hearts are broken as we share the loss of Wendy J. Latcham, age 59, our beloved wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Wendy passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Her bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and caring spirit.

Wendy was born on January 1, 1963, in Rice Lake, WI to Kenneth VanNortwick and Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Hargrave. Wendy was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth VanNortwick; step-father, Melvin Becker; brothers, Kevin VanNortwick and Jason Becker; grandparents, Ozzie and Ruth Johnson and Daisy Olson.

Those who had the opportunity to meet Wendy know how she could light up a room. Rarely did you ever see Wendy without a smile. Her laugh was simply contagious. She cared deeply for her family. Her husband, Ronnie, of 32 years was the ying to her yang. Her sons meant the world to her. Wendy was an amazing individual that will be greatly missed by many.

Wendy will be remembered for her infectiously positive outlook on life. She enjoyed time with family members and many friends. She was always there to brighten the lives of others. She was one of the most caring people you could meet. She always put family first. Her boys were her pride and joy. She recently found out she was going to be a grandma for the first time. She was so proud to share that news with everyone she talked with. Wendy was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around.

Wendy had a gift for caring for children. She spent more than a decade working with Kids Corner Day Care. She also spent the later part of her career working at Sugar and Spice where she had many friends.  

Wendy is survived by her husband, Ronnie Latcham of Chetek; sons, Nick (Kira) Latcham of Burnsville, MN, Jake (Brooke) Latcham of Chippewa Falls, and Jerrett Hamilton of Rice Lake; mother, Kitty (Bill) Hargrave of Chetek; brothers, Dave (Julie) Becker of Baldwin and Dan Becker (Sirena) of Chetek; sisters, Judy (Jerry) Methany of Cameron, Brenda (Tim) Gardner of Rudolph; grandmother, Loretta Becker of Hillsdale; stepbrothers and sisters Roger (Randine) Hargrave, Nora (Doug) Becker, Brenda (Ron) Kopping, David (Connie) Hargrave, Trish (Tim) Kurtzhals; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to Chetek Ambulance Service, Lakeview Medical Center, Flight for Life, Marshfield Medical Hospital, and a huge thank you to her physician, Dr. Jeffrey Marquardt, and staff.

A Celebration of Life will be planned later this summer. There will be a private family burial.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements. 

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