Wendy Ann Oudenhoven, 53, ended her years-long health battles on October 14, 2023. She passed away quietly and comfortably in her home in Kimberly where she had spent several months in hospice care. She was born in Appleton December 24, 1969 to Roger and Kay (Wouters) Oudenhoven, and was one of three children with elder brother Bill and younger sister Toni.
A cancer survivor, Wendy fought chronic illness for years to stay with us and was blessed to attend the wedding of her beloved son earlier this year on July 8th. She was lovingly cared for by her friend and partner George Dana, with much appreciated help from Thedacare Hospice in the final months.
Wendy graduated in 1988 from Kimberly High School, where she ran track. She lived in the Kimberly area most of her life where she worked and managed in warehouse shipping and receiving. She also worked as a medical emergency responder for motocross with Xtreme Care.
She was a NASCAR fan, always rooting for #24 Jeff Gordon, and was an unapologetic San Francisco 49ers fan.Some of her fondest memories were trips to auto races near and far where she became known for her loud cheers and pink shoes. Wendy loved sunflowers, summers, jewelery, tattoos, fireworks, Christmas, Hallmark movies, and taco Tuesdays at the Wishing Well, but mostly she loved to sit around a fire with family and friends.
A generous soul, Wendy wished she could adopt every orphan. She was a second mother to all of Trevor's friends and would care for them whenever possible. Her favorite pastime was shopping for Christmas gifts for loved ones. She enjoyed giving them the gifts too. Wendy loved animals and from the beginning of her illness was comforted by her sweet pitbull Nikita, and her two chihuahuas Harley and Mojo. In her life she had dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, iguanas, fish and snakes. Her lifelong dream was to open an animal sanctuary and adopt her own Cane Corso.
Wendy is survived by her mother Kay, son Trevor and daughter-in-law Cheyenne (Doule), sister Toni and nephew Richard Treleven II, and many, many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by lifelong friend Sara Porto whose daughter Molly she adored.
Wendy was preceded in death by her father Roger, her brother Billy, her aunt Mary (Oudenhoven) Malsavage, Trevor's grandparents Dave and Lauren Degroot, and dear friend Becky (Lewis) Wilz.
Please join Wendy's loved ones on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 at 11:00am for a memorial service at Wichmann Funeral Home, Jansen Fargo location, 204 E Kimberly Ave in Kimberly. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 9:00am until the service begins. Following the memorial, Wendy will be buried at Holy Name Cemetery in Kimberly after which we will gather nearby for a celebration of her life.
Thank you to everyone who donated time, money, food, and a shoulder to lean on. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity in Wendy's name. She was especially invested in the causes of breast cancer, children's hospitals, and animal shelters.
