Wendy Jean Sturz (61), lovingly known as “Nonie,” passed away surrounded by family in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A beloved aunt, sister, cousin, neighbor, daughter, best friend, and stand-in mom/grandma, Wendy meant a great deal to many and was a constant, supportive presence in the lives of those she loved.
Wendy was the fifth child born to Juanita (Sturz) Youderian. A few years later, Juanita married Vernon Youderian, who became Wendy’s dad in every way that mattered. The family moved to a farm in Foster, Wisconsin, where Wendy fondly recalled growing up in a small rural community with her large, vibrant family. One of her favorite memories was receiving her baby sister, Missy, as a “birthday present.” She eventually became an aunt, providing love and attention to her nieces and nephews, and in the last years of her life, she spent much time doting on her great-nieces, great-nephews, and grandchildren.
Wendy’s constant desire to help others led her to a career as a Probation Officer. She began this career after achieving a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Throughout her work, she developed meaningful relationships with her co-workers, and administered compassionate but firm assistance to her clients.
Wendy was truly one of a kind—genuine, witty, loving, selfless, and blessed with the gift of gab. She never tried to be anything other than herself. She loved deeply and fully, wrapping others in her care. She was a source of comfort, checking in on people and following up to see how things had turned out since their last conversation. She worried more about others than herself, often saying that worrying about others was “what Nonie does best.” She was known to text her family after gatherings to make sure everyone got home safely and had what they needed. She was always—literally and figuratively—ten steps ahead, opening doors and anticipating everyone’s needs.
Her curiosity about the world and its inhabitants took her on many interesting adventures, which led to a full, well-lived life. She enjoyed traveling, museums, history, astronomy, and marveling at nature’s beauty. She made friends wherever she went, and wherever she went, she brought a can of Mountain Dew. Wendy also deeply loved animals and all children, often saying they deserved to be spoiled. As a proud Wisconsinite, the other great loves of her life included the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers.
She is survived by her siblings: Lynn (John) Thompson, Teresa (Jim) Kirkpatrick, Chris (Cindy) Sturz, Patrick (Kaye) Sturz, and Melissa (Clarence) Youderian-Swain; nieces and nephews: Bridget (Michael, dec.)Tompkins, Ashley (Mason) Sturz-Griffith, Christopher Sturz, Amy Sturz, John (LaShonda) Thompson, Jasmine (Tyler) Ferguson, Stephanie “Monkey” Swain, Nick (Allison) Swain, Jeremy (Samantha) Swain, Michaela (Anthony) Ramirez, and Elizabeth Holt; grandchildren Orla Sturz and Owen Sturz; several great-nephews, including Evan Griffith, Miles Griffith, and Wyatt Ferguson; cousins, including her special cousin Kimmy Conley Youderian; many friends, and a dog, Cherry.
She was preceded in death by her mom Juanita Youderian, dad Vernon Youderian, sister-in-law Kimberly Sturz, niece Allison Sturz, and several dear pets.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 12 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church in Foster, Wisconsin, officiated by Christopher Sturz, with a visitation from 11a.m. - 12 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM). Wendy believed every dog needed someone to love them.
Nonie will be deeply missed, but her love, humor, and fierce devotion to the people and animals she cared about will live on in the many lives she touched.
