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Matthew Latacha Obituary

Latacha, MD, Matthew P.

Matthew P. Latacha, MD, 47, of Omaha passed away Sept. 10, 2023, in a tragic accident while riding his bicycle. He is preceded in death by his grandparents William & Faye Wetzel and Bernice Latacha, uncle Duran Wetzel and father-in-law Robert Eastep. He is survived by his loving wife Kim, children Abigail, Madelyn & Nathan, parents Stan & Diann Latacha, sister Kathryn Latacha (James Dalluge) mother-in-law Elaine Eastep, sister-in-law Kris Hansen (Rick), brother-in-law Joe Eastep (Lindsay) and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dr. Latacha was a gifted and compassionate cardiologist who practiced in this community for 14 years. He was beloved by his patients and respected by his colleagues. He was an extraordinary cook, avid reader, fitness enthusiast, animal lover, military history buff, and amateur musician. Most of all, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his wife and kids.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m., with visitation Friday evening 5 to 8 p.m., both at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. Memorials may be made to the family for the establishment of a memorial fund in his name.

REICHMUTH FUNERAL HOME

21901 West Maple 402-289-2222
Published by Omaha World-Herald from Sep. 13 to Sep. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Latacha

Sponsored by Reichmuth Funeral Home - Omaha / Elkhorn.

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Lou Ann Ayres

October 9, 2023

I cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear this. He was a gifted and respected man. May his family find comfort in these difficult days.

Ed Eberl

September 24, 2023

Was such a fine young man and I have know the Latacha family for many years. They are all in my prayers and thoughts as my dear friends.
Ed Eberl

Paul Becker

September 22, 2023

I had the privilege of working with Kim on several projects at the Med Center for several years before I retired. I am very sorry to hear of Matthew´s accident. Paul Becker

Katie Leigh

September 21, 2023

Dr Latacha was a wonderful Dr. He had the absolute highest regard for his patients, and was so caring and compassionate. He will be dearly missed among the medical community. Prayers for his family and everyone who knew him. He was a wonderful person!

Dick Bacus

September 20, 2023

Like many others here, Dr. Latacha was my doctor and surgeon. I will forever be appreciative of the many years of care he provided me. I am especially thankful for the series of procedures he did that got me off of blood thinners and amiodarone, allowing me to return to the classroom to teach again. My favorite story about him was how we discovered a common taste in music. It was spirit week (for my school's homecoming), and the theme was favorite bands. I was running late from class and didn't have time to change before my appointment. Walking into a waiting room (full of mostly elderly people) while dressed head to toe in Motorhead gear, was a surreal experience. Picture a 7' tall biker and you've got the gist of it. As I sat there, getting stared at by patients and their families, my anxiety started to climb. It was a relief to finally get back in to the room, but not without a few weird looks from the clinic staff as well. In walks Doc, (the gentleman in the bowtie, as I described him to others) and his face lights up. "Motorhead! I love Motorhead!" he exclaimed and our topic of conversation for years to come was born. He was full of surprises. I don't think we ever found a topic on which he couldn't converse, but I will miss our talks about music and history the most. To the Latacha family, our last conversation was about how you were spending the end of the summer. You were always on his mind. Know that you are on all of ours too. Doc was an exceptional person. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Maria-Catharine Mura

September 18, 2023

He was my heart doctor. I just found out this afternoon that he is gone. My heart is breaking . He performed numerous cardioversions on me, 4 heart ablations and the last one with a Diffibulator. I am alive due to his expertise. He loves his work & was a living example to us his patients by living a healthy lifestyle. He had a special zest for life. He glowed and smiled a lot. He will be deeply missed. My heart breaks for his family too. Sending thoughts & prayers to them.

Mary Haney

September 18, 2023

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the circumstances surrounding the tragic passing of Dr. Latacha. After my Afib diagnosis followed by heart failure Christmas Day of last year, the Watchman was recommended to deal with my issues. Dr Latacha did my Watchman in January of this year. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Latacha for getting me off bloodthinners & greatly improving my quality of life!
Dr Latacha was full of surprises! Who knew he was a fan of Freddie Mercury & Queen, Janus Joplin & CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival)?
And, of course, his bow ties and fun socks will be remembered by all of us
He was kind , compassionate, witty & dedicated to his work.
Eve.n moreso dedicated to his family. The world was a much better place with him in it.
God Bless you, Dr. Latacha, and
God Bless your family!

Kathy Skomedal

September 17, 2023

I can´t even explain my sadness for the loss of Dr. Latacha. I had an appointment with Dr. Latacha on 9-7. I hugged him when he walked in the waiting room and I hugged him when he walked out. To think that is the last time I will ever see him again breaks my heart. He was a wonderful doctor and human being. I can honestly say I loved him. He did a couple of ablations on
me. Not only was he my doctor but also a friend. I knew everything about his family and vacations and he knew about mine. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and patients. Sending my love and hugs to his wife and children. He will always be in my heart. Love Kathy

Raghu Tadikamalla

September 16, 2023

My condolences. We trained together. We had a lot of common interests and although it was over 20 years ago, I remember a number of wonderful conversations. He was brilliant and competitive, but also funny and kind. The world is a greater place for having had him.

Peg Pearson

September 16, 2023

Please know that Jim, Annie and I have you all in our prayers! Kim, we will never forget how you reached out to Annie when she started at UNMC. You gave her the confidence she needed to excel! Maddie, Nate and Abigail......sending you the biggest hug possible! Jim, Annie and I are saying prayers for all of you as you deal with this unimaginable loss.

Lee and Dica Chipperfield

September 16, 2023

Kim,
We don't know you folk. Please rest assured that there are a lot of us folk around that don't know you, but we are thinking of your family these days! We sympathize.

Frank J. Safranek

September 16, 2023

I was a patient of his for nearly three years and was devastated when I found out about his death and am still trying to wrap my head around the circumstances of his untimely death. I will miss him very much and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends...RIP my friend and doctor

Cheryl Bialas & Family

September 15, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Pamela Bussen

September 15, 2023

To the family of Dr. Latacha, I am so very sorry for your loss! I work for Methodist Dial MD and have paged Dr. Latacha over the years for patient calls. He was always polite, caring and sounding very attentive to the answering service and his callers. We will certainly miss him. God certainly has gained a wonderful angel!

Rick and Vicki Lindberg

September 15, 2023

Prayers and thoughts to all the family. He was my husbands physician and we could not have asked for a more caring and compassionate doctor to complete all the procedures he needed. God certainly has the best of the best in heaven right now!!!

Beautiful Horizons Floor Basket

Bryan Heart

Sent Flowers

Charles and Kathy Dalton

September 14, 2023

We were shocked to hear of Dr Latacha´s passing. My husband and I were both under his care. He was a brilliant caring Dr. May God comfort you in the days ahead. Our deepest sympathies.

Mary Laycock

September 14, 2023

Saddened over the news of Matt's untimely death. My condolences to his wife, children and friends. I met Matt at Barnes Jewish Hospital when he was a cardiac fellow on the Cardiac Rapid Evaluation Unit. He taught me information on heart disease. My coworker often provided him DOTS, his favorite candy. RIP

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Sarah & Jonathan Nurry

Sent Flowers

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

The Nester Family

Sent Flowers

UNMC COM Class of 2025

September 14, 2023

LuAnn Williamson

September 14, 2023

He was my cardiologist for the last several years. He may have literally saved my life. Sympathy to his family, coworkers and staff.

The FTD Unity & Grace Floor Basket

UNMC PA Class of 2023

Sent Flowers

Linda Johnson

September 14, 2023

My condolences to the family. Dr Latacha was my doctor for 12 years! God bless all! Such a tragic loss.

Beverly & Steven Fritz

September 14, 2023

We were so shocked to hear of Dr. Latacha´s tragic passing! So very sorry for his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow patients! Dr. Latacha saved my husbands life several years ago, and truly the one doctor my husband respected and never minded going to for appointments! They had a common love of fitness! Sending prayers for peace & comfort to his beautiful family! The community is truly mourning the loss of a brilliant and amazing man!!

Single Memorial Tree

Ryan Mullane

Planted Trees

Sally Kammerer

September 14, 2023

So sad to hear the news of Dr Latacha. We feel he performs miracles together with our Lord Jesus. We pray for comfort and eventual peace for his family. We are ever grateful for his care for Karl and his dedication. Sincerely Mr and Mrs Karl Kammerer

Nancy Bailey

September 14, 2023

A grateful patient offers her condolences to his family.

Lost in Paradise Bouquet

UNMC COM Class of 2024

Sent Flowers

Angie Lanoha

September 14, 2023

May his love and legacy always shine through you guys
Praying for you

Jim and Paula Turpen

September 14, 2023

With deepest sympathy for your families' tragic loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Steve and Joan Walker

September 13, 2023

To the Latacha family, and Heart consultants, our sincere condolences on the passing of Dr Latacha. We are So very sorry. I've been a patient of his since 2012, and I cannot explain what he meant to me. He performed ablations on me, as well as shock treatments over the years. He explained to me, at first, that he was the electrician of the heart, and the other guys, were the plumbers!! He had quite a wit about him. We became good friends, and I always trusted him with my life! Which I know he saved many times. Remarkable man, and will be truly missed by all. RIP Dr Latacha, Steve

Betty Cabello , Patient

September 13, 2023

Dr. Lataha was my heart Doctor. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. After a frightening time in my life, Dr. Lataha successfully treated me and I know I´ve been blessed in my life. He was always caring and kind. His loss is felt by many who knew him. May God Be with his family at this time of great sorrow and May God Rest his soul In Peace.

Nathaniel Deyo

September 13, 2023

Dr. Kim Latacha and family,

Dr. Latacha was my preceptor in May 2023. What I remember most of all is how he loved his family and spoke so fondly of each and every one of you. Everyday he would tell me to spend as much time with my own family as I could. I will always remember him for this.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

SUJITH KALATHIVEETIL

September 13, 2023

Matthew was both a treasured friend and colleague. We reconnected a year ago. Although nearly 15 years had passed, he was still the same witty and brilliant man I knew from training. I am still trying to make sense of his passing, but am grateful we were able to spend time together. God bless his family.

Babu Guda

September 13, 2023

Kim,

My deepest condolences on the loss of Dr. Latacha. You and your family are in our prayers. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Ken Flint

September 13, 2023

Dr. Latacha was my heart Dr. he change my life for the better by preforming ablations and always pointed me in the right direction he will be missed Condolences to his family

Beverly Campbell

September 13, 2023

To the family of Dr Latacha and the Heart Consultants Team , I sent my sympathy for the loss of Dr Latacha. You are in my prayers.

Don Christensen

September 13, 2023

I have been a patient of Dr. Latacha for probably as many years as he´s been in Omaha! My diagnosis was atrial fibrillation & high blood pressure! He performed two ablations on me, probably three years apart! Most recently he implanted a Watchman for precaution against blood clots! He was a very gifted heart doctor who gave me a new lease on life! His demeanor and personality were remarkable plus his caring ways! My wife and I were devastated by his tragic death! I am forever grateful to him and will miss my annual clinic visits with him!
Our deepest sympathies to his family for the loss of a truly great man!
Don Christensen

Linda McKee

September 13, 2023

How heart breaking it was to hear of Dr. Latacha's passing. He was a wonderful cardiologist and helped me by inserting a pacemaker in 2018. At that time, his daughter and son were in gymnastics and he loved talking about meets and their achievements. My granddaughter was also in gymnastics at that time and when we saw each other at a meet he was so kind and personable. He will be truly missed!
May God grant him eternal Peace.
My heartful thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and co-workers and may the many memories of Matthew live forever in your hearts!
God Blessings!

Eric Stuedemann

September 13, 2023

Kim and family,

I was so sad to hear of Matthew's sudden passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Matthew was an amazing person, doctor and family man and he will be missed.

I've been thinking a lot about Matthew and our time together at Lifetime / Nerve. We shared many interactions and friendly competition during those early morning workouts and bonded over health/fitness, Tesla and family. He was a joy to be around and truly had a positive influence on my life and many others. He will be remembered.

Deb Mantich

September 13, 2023

Kim and family,


Dr Latacha was a brilliant surgeon. He did several
procedures for me which I will be forever grateful. He will be deeply missed. RIP Dr Latacha.

Always  Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

CHI Health Clinic Cardiology

Sent Flowers

Gina Mentzer

September 13, 2023

Dr. Latacha was such a caring and talented partner in the field of cardiology. I could always trust my patient care to his expertise and he was highly successful. He communicated so well and went out of his way to help others feel comfortable and healthier. I loved watched what he was cooking and his enthusiasm for spending time with his family--especially the recent post on how much he LOVED his wife--a happy anniversary post. God bless his soul and family. Gina

Tim Clarke

September 13, 2023

Dr. Latacha was a talented and caring cardiologist. He did the heart ablation for me and it's been great. He wore his vintage Nike shoes to the visit and we bonded over shoes and animals. Will truly miss him. God bless! Tim

Thomas Meola

September 13, 2023

Shocked by this. So sorry for his family and friends. I was a patient. Active outdoorsman, athlete with a sudden onset of Afib. He fixed me and I am so grateful for his expertise. I was always impressed with his team, from the office to the operating room everyone seemed "dialed in." He struck me as a great person who cared.

We were not friends...I was a patient....and I will miss our office check ins.

I am thankful for his help. He and his family will be in my thoughts.

Gary Gebhard

September 13, 2023

He was my cardiologist for several year and recently performed the heart ablation procedure on July 21. We talked of biking during our office visits of what our next medical steps might be. I am saddened to no end for the loss each of us are feeling now that he is not with us as he should be. His work gave me new lease on life. I will remember him always. Gary Gebhard.

Jamie Dudney

September 13, 2023

Matthew and his wife were Crossfit workout partners for six years. He caught me off guard addressing a vein issue during class one day! I was embarrassed for a highly respected Dr to worry about my ugly leg veins. He gave me some suggestions that helped with the pain and discomfort. He was so kind and caring it was what I will always remember.

John Binkly

September 13, 2023

Members of the Dr. Matthew Latacha family,

My heartfelt sympathy to each of you.

Dr. Latacha will always be remembered by me as a gifted heart surgeon delivering truly expert treatment with compassion, a consultative demeaner and a wonderful smile and humor that put smiles on the faces of those fortunate to know him.... but even more importantly, the love and pride of his extended family which he openly expressed without reservation.

Loving to many and loved by many.

May your grief pass swiftly...may God´s presence surround you in your sadness...and may you find comfort in fond memories that last forever.

The world is a lesser place without Matthew, but knowing he is with God will make heaven a better place.


God bless each of you,
John Binkly

John Binkly

September 13, 2023

Members of the Dr. Matthew Latacha family,

My heartfelt sympathy to each of you.

Dr. Latacha will always be remembered by me as a gifted heart surgeon delivering truly expert treatment with compassion, a consultative demeaner and a wonderful smile and humor that put smiles on the faces of those fortunate to know him.... but even more importantly, the love and pride of his extended family which he openly expressed without reservation.

Loving to many and loved by many.

May your grief pass swiftly...may God´s presence surround you in your sadness...and may you find comfort in fond memories that last forever.

The world is a lesser place without Matthew, but knowing he is with God will make heaven a better place.


God bless each of you,
John Binkly

Susie Lindblad

September 13, 2023

I'm praying for Dr. Latacha's family for comfort. He was so admired and respected at Methodist Hospital.

Marjorie

September 13, 2023

Dr. Latacha was a brilliant cardiologist and elecrophysiologist who improved the quality of my life by eliminating an arythmmia. In follow-up appointments he always took time to address my concerns and visit about family, travels, dogs, and a shared interest in writing. The Omaha community is a sadder place without him in it. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his family.

Dr and Mrs Joseph Verdirame

September 13, 2023

Dr. Latacha was my electrophysiologist. He was kind, talented and professional. He worked diligently to resolve my afib issues which were exacerbated during my breast cancer treatment. My husband, Joe, often joined me for these appointments and our conversations ranged widely over our shared many interests. We are both so saddened by the family´s heartbreaking loss and our Omaha community´s loss of a gifted doctor.

Karen Verdirame

Cyndi Tarbox-Whitmyre

September 13, 2023

I was on vacation when I found out about his accident and passing. I´m in shock to say the least. I was a patient of his and he did my procedure in Nov 2022. What a kind man and talented physician. I am so very sorry for you loss. Sending prayers and Gods strength.

Jim and Pam Harrington

September 13, 2023

We will forever be grateful for Dr Latacha´s exceptional medical care. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

David and Curie Mincer

September 13, 2023

We are so saddened to hear of Dr. Latacha´s passing, I know our story isn´t unique, he saved my husbands life almost 10 years ago now which started a relationship of him buying soap from our soap business so we always looked forward to the once a year contact and of course yearly checkups. Sad I missed the one a few weeks ago with my husband. Sending love and prayers to Kim and his children, this is a void in the world that will never be filled.

Quincy Siddell

September 12, 2023

I'm watching the news tonight and I'm shocked to see Dr. Matthew Latacha pictured. I have been seeing Dr. Latacha for my Afib. I trusted him twice for my surgery. Great Doctor and I know he will be missed by his Heart Consultant team. He will be missed by his family who he loved to mention during my visits. I will remember him by his fun socks he enjoyed wearing. I was blessed to have him as my doctor. You will be missed Dr. Latacha. I send my condolences to his family.

Quincy Siddell

Theresa Radil

September 12, 2023

I will always remember his kind words and soft spoken knowledge. I was referred to him and he cut an electrical current in my heart, to lower my rapid heartbeat. I didn´t know what a Electrophysiologist before I met him. Basically, he saved My life! I am forever grateful. I am truly sorry for your loss. Theresa Radil

Glen Linstadt

September 12, 2023

My husband and I are very thankful for Dr Latacha. He helped us with my husband's pace makers. He was a very dedicated person and will be sorely missed. Prayers to you and your family. Glen and Stephanie Linstadt

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Bethany Lutheran Church

4200 N, Elkhorn, NE 68022

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21901 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022

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