Obituary of Michael Latcham

Michael Howard Latcham was born May 8, 1950 at home in Montezuma, Iowa to Gail Clarke and Iona Rachel (Tish) Latcham and grew up on the family farm east of town.

He passed from this life to meet his Eternal Savior on Sunday, January 21 at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Pence-Reese Funeral Home of Newton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Mike graduated from Montezuma High School in 1968 where he participated in track, band and FFA. He held a lifelong interest of track and enjoyed following his grandson, Clarke, run throughout high school and now at Simpson College.

While in college at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO Mike met the love of his life, Linda Sue Van Der Wilt of Monroe. They were married December 5, 1970 at the Monroe Baptist Church and to this union two sons were born- Brad and Matt.

Mike worked at Farmhand in Grinnell for many years and in 1986 went to work for Maytag in Newton where he remained for the next 20 years. Mike and Linda lived in Lynnville 22 years where they raised their family and moved to Newton in 1994.

Though faced with many health challenges over the years Mike remained very positive and was always considered the eternal optimist. Mike was a long time member of First Reformed Church in Sully where he enjoyed singing in the Alleluia Choir and after moving to Newton in 1994 became a member of Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton where he attended faithfully. Mike's faith in Jesus was paramount to him which showed in his daily life through prayer and the kindness and compassion he showed others. Mike gave even in death as a tissue donor.

He and Linda enjoyed traveling and spending the last 10 winters in Arizona. His most memorable trips included those to Yellowstone Park, Alaska and multiple Iowa Hawkeye bowl games. Mike's hobbies included hunting pheasants, deer and mushrooms, fishing, working on home projects, gardening, taking ranger rides around the farm and just visiting with family and friends. A highlight each year was the annual fishing trip to Upper Cullen Lake, Minnesota which he had been doing since 1981.

Mike was a true family man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He found great joy in supporting his kids and grandkids in their activities and followed them faithfully over the years. A special part of his life was the life long friendship he had with his three brothers.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda, of Newton, son Brad and his wife Chris Latcham of New Sharon, son Matt and his wife Sarah Latcham of Wellman and Grandsons, Clarke and Nile Latcham of Wellman, brothers Dennis and Vera Latcham, Randy and Sarah Latcham and Craig and Kay Latcham all of Montezuma along with many nephews, nieces and many, many friends he met along life's journey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Iona Latcham and parents-in-law, Wildo and Agnes Van Der Wilt.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to Community Heights Alliance Church.