It has taken me this long to actually write something. Not because I couldn't remember anything about Wendy, but it takes a while to come to terms. 

I can't remember how old was, but I just barely remember, so it must've been a while ago. But I just remember Wendy making both my mom and I giggle for 20 minutes at a time while she taught me how to french braid hair. But it wasn't until she let me put that cheap bright blue eyeshadow on her. 

Years later, I got to go to Michigan and chose to not go and see her and Fran. I regret it. But she didnt seem to mind so much as I was tagged in a Facebook post of a video of her showing her backyard to me. Saying that this is where she "hides her dead bodies after we got shovels." 

I'll never forget that post. 
I'm so sorry I didn't come and see you guys more. 

Wendy endy endy!  While we lost touch and haven't talked in years, I still think of you often.  You've been on my mind a lot lately and now I know why.  Not too long ago I found all the letters we wrote in school.  It was funny reading through them.  Sometimes I remembered exactly what we were talking about, other times no clue.  You have no idea how much you touched my life.  You brought me out of my shell and people have been sorry ever since, lol.  Welcome to Paradise.  Enjoy your time and watch over your mom.

Fran, I am so sorry for your loss!  Please remember to take care of yourself.  I know this was not the right order.  You should not have to bury a child.  Not that it makes it any easier, but know that she is at peace and rests in the hands of our God.

God bless you both.

Wendy and I worked at Beaumont  together. I will  never forget the laughter she brought  and her wonderful sense of humor. She always kept me laughing.  Fly high funny girl, I will never forget you❤Cari

"Take us back time! Time in your flight! Make us a kid again just for tonight!"

Year: 1999
Month: December 
Day: 31

Clock had just struck midnight. I wasn't expecting Y2K.
Older brother streaking, as well as, other clock chime issues. 
Wendy, 10-15 minutes later asks me
"Your disappointed the world didn't end, huh?"
I, in fact, was.

Wendy, taught me it wasn't just asking questions, but asking the right ones.

Also, you should ask my wife (Kate Champagne), about the "Wendy Rule"

Till we meet again.....You are Unforgettable 
Love  you....Always 


Wen, for the past few days I have been trying to remember exactly when you and I became friends. It must have been high school, but I can't pinpoint the details. Today, I realized that "the when" doesn't really matter. We've just always been. Through high school (drama and band), I remember talking you into going with me to Ohio for Hands Across America (we were always talking each other into something or another...not always trouble...but usually!), summers in my backyard spent swimming, sunning, stuffing our faces with Cool Ranch doritos (a new flavor in the 80s that we couldn't get enough of), you happily agreed to be in the bridal party when Peter and I married, and for a few years we were all living in Chicago during the 90s, where we got up to all sorts of adventures. We lost touch for a while as we moved to different cities and states. Then we all found ourselves back in Michigan again and were able to reconnect with lunches and dinners (too few in hindsight). I hear your voice, your infectious laugh. I can feel your hugs (at least 20 seconds, although preferably more, for the oxytocin to kick in!). Journey on Dear Friend. We'll catch up again on the other side  (you better save me some cool ranch!). Love you.

So sad to hear this. Sorry for your loss Fran. What I do know and remember was that Wendy volunteered along with quite a few of us for a great organization called The Madison Heights Jaycees. Anyone who is someone that volunteered for this organization  had a BIG heart. That should let you know what a sweet person she was.. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  
RIH Wendy🙏🙏💔❤

I am so Sorry for your Great Loss Fran , I remember Wendy from the Haunted House and the Fair in the Park with the Madison Heights Jaycees , Wendy had worked the Concession Stand selling Hot Chocolate during the Jaycees Haunted House , May Wendy Rest In Peace Dear Lord 🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏

If ever there was an adventurous soul, there would be a picture of Wendy. And it would not be just an simple adventure, it would consist of mountain climbing, hiking deer trails and walking Creek beds to the middle of nowhere. 

These adventure's always lead to a story, for it simply could not be just a hike.  It would always include a mishap of some sort that would create a memory forever etched in you mind.  A memory of great laughter, a cherished memory.  One could say, Wendy always will be imprinted on your heart. 

One such memory was our walk in Fountain Creek to collect stones. 
After hours of walking, pockets loaded with our treasure, we headed back. 
Eyes to the ground, cause you just might need another stone, I hear " Help me!"

Turning to see, there is Wendy, sinking in the mud. She is calf deep, waving her arms. "Stop moving!" She replied "it's not quick sand!"  Then her eyes got bid, those big doe eyes, "or is it?" 

Now she is really struggling, arms waving, wiggling side to side. She has put herself deeper, up to her knees. 
At this point I start laughing,  Wendy looked like Tim Conway's character Dorf. 
She places her hands on her hips and has her best angry face. Now I am laughing uncontrollably. 
Now I am on the ground laughing. 
Wendy starts laughing. 
After laughter and banter, finding firm footing we get out. Then we laughed more.
Surely the pockets loads of rocks we're not helpful. 
These are the memories I cherish. So much laughter, good times, adventures. 
It is when we remember, share these stories and memories, Wendy lives, in each and everyone's heart. 
You will always be my heart. 

Window... there are too many wonderful memories to share just one. And I will hold them in my heart and keep them until I see you again. I will miss you so much more than anyone could imagine.  

My mind has peace that you are no longer hurting or struggling but my heart hurts and needs you here with me. 

Until I see you again save a place for me. I Love you!!!

I loved when you and your mom would come over and we'd play as kids. You fit right in with our Thomas neighborhood friends. I cherish those memories. I know you did as well because several decades later you would still talk about playing invisible "tug-of-war" in the street! As adults we shared a  mutual love of dinosaurs-  and I am grateful that not too long ago we shared that dinosaur experience event at Macomb- when we drove in your adorable Fiat and you thought we were going through a third world country's minefield (the roads were that bad-haha ). Seeing and meeting the dinosaurs made any damage to your car SO worth it though! I know you are at peace now and are likely playing fetch with a T-rex as I type this. 
Everytime I see a dinosaur (not a real one necessarily--) I will think of you fondly and with love Wendy.  I will miss your deranged sense of humor- as we most certainly have that in common. We also have common friends from Beaumont, and we will certainly continue to share and treasure memories of you with each other. 
Rest in peace Wendy. 
Much love- your cousin, Sharon

We met in Colorado Springs in 1998 and I had no idea what an impact you would make and that you would be my very best friend. We did not see each other often once I left and you went back to Michigan.  But we never lost a minute and always picked up like we were never apart. I love you Window and will miss you terribly until I see you again!

There are just to many amazing and loving memories to share just one!  She was the spark in every room, she could light the darkest of days with her smile and laughter! She was beautiful inside and out, she was so loved by all that knew her and she will be greatly missed! I can not nor will I ever forget the moments we spent together and the laughter she brought to everyone! 

We love u so much Wendy and will miss u forever, but know and trust in god that u will always be with us and will always find a way to make us laugh in the darkest of days.  

Love  you now and for ever cousin!!

Love Jason&Jessie and the whole claypoole family!  

If I shared all the shenanigans, there wouldn't be room left for anyone else. This image was taken when Wendy lived witj me in Fountain, CO. It was a house warming party.  No, thats not a cigg in Wendys hand. Its a bug bite stick that would take away the itch. All night long, we referred to it as "the tampon"
"Ugh! where's the tampon? I was just bitten by a mosquito!" That was a fin night.

Fran, we are so sorry to hear about Wendy. 😢. Much love, from the Foyt Family

OBITUARY

Wendy Lynn Kirchoff

April 22, 1969 – August 12, 2020

Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home

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