Stephanie “Stevie” Latka was born on July 18, 1927, and passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at the age of 99. She lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to her family, her work, her faith, and the many simple joys that brought her happiness. She was a loving, kind, and generous woman whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Stevie was the beloved wife of the late Theodore “Ted” Latka, whom she married in June of 1946, just shy of her 19th birthday. She was preceded in death by her sister Madge Kaval, her brother John Bagdonas, and her sister Helen Zaber.
She is survived by her children, Peggy Breitzke (late husband Ken Breitzke) and Ken Latka, as well as her daughter Sue “Rusti” Ramey Klund (late husband Ron Ramey) and husband Dennis Klund. She was a proud grandmother to Ron Ramey. Her family was the center of her life, and she treasured the bonds she shared with each of them.
Stevie devoted more than 30 years of service to the Chicago Board of Education, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic. She took pride in her years of employment and valued the relationships she built along the way. Her commitment to her work reflected the same steady and caring nature that she brought to every part of her life.
Stephanie was a devout Catholic and found strength and comfort in her beliefs throughout her life. Her faith guided her with grace and helped shape the compassionate and thoughtful person she was. She lived with quiet dignity and a generous spirit, and she touched others with her warmth and sincerity.
Stevie had many interests that brought joy to her days. She loved traveling with her family and made cherished memories on trips to Europe, Hawaii, California, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and many other wonderful places. She especially enjoyed traveling with her grandson Ron to Washington, D.C., Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. She was also very artistic and found great pleasure in sketching, watercolor painting, oil painting, and crafting. Bowling was also one of her passions in her later years. Her creativity was a reflection of her gentle spirit and her appreciation for beauty in everyday life.
Gardening was another of Stephanie’s favorite pastimes. She loved plants and flowers and took great satisfaction in nurturing them. Her garden was a place of peace and beauty, much like the life she created for her family through her care and devotion. In her later years, she also enjoyed senior bus trips to casinos with her friends, where laughter, companionship, and shared adventures added joy to her days.
Stevie faced multiple illnesses in her later years with courage and grace. She spent her last two years at Rosary Hill under the care of the Dominican Nuns. Even as her health declined, she remained surrounded by love and held close in the hearts of her family. She will be remembered for her enduring kindness, her generous heart, and the many ways she enriched the lives of those around her.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchild, extended family, and friends. Stephanie Latka leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, creativity, and devotion. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will remember her with deep affection and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived.
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life on earth is done.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America.
Visitation and Funeral: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Rosary Hill Home, 9000 W. 81st Street, Justice, Illinois, with 11:30 a.m. Mass to follow.
Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois (private).