Rochelle Carole Catlin

On April 29th, 2026, Rochelle Carole Catlin, age 90, of Eau Claire, WI and Mesa, AZ, went to her forever home with Jesus while holding the hand of her one true love, Richard A. Catlin. This December will mark 70 years since they were married. Rochelle was born on July 18, 1935, to Arthur and Ida Lautenbach of Granton, WI, in the home built by her father. She grew up a farmer's daughter, which gave her a love for animals. She started playing the piano at age 8 on an old, upright piano in the living room, sparking her passion for music. She was an accomplished pianist, not only playing for many churches and choirs but also teaching in the public-school systems of Eau Claire and Colfax. After her teaching, she focused on

her family of husband and three daughters, giving the same devotion as to her music. She spent several years in her husband's business, lastly retiring in 2000 from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, her alma mater. She loved to travel, having seen many countries and states. She loved her many homes, especially the lake home in Wisconsin and Winter home in Arizona. Her legacy is being a selfless giver.

She had countless friends and was loved by her grand and great-grandchildren, who knew her as "Nana cat." Rochelle was a devout and faithful Christian who loved the Lord.

Richard and Rochelle were married on December 25, 1956. She is survived by her husband, Richard; daughters Shelly (George) Ronnestrand, Stacy (Majid) Ghassemi, and Sara (Brian) Bushendorf; grandchildren Luke (Kelsey) Ronnestrand, Erin (David Schmidt) Ronnestrand, Kaitlyn (Ryan Burd) Ghassemi, Ryan Ghassemi, Ashley Bushendorf, Andrew (Brianna) Bushendorf, Abby (Justin) Bader, Ally (Andrew) Lighthizer; and great-grandchildren Harrison, Waylen, and Claire Ronnestrand; Hope, Harper, Kasen, and Kohen Bushendorf; Knoxen and Kalahan Bader; and Langston Lighthizer. She is also survived by her nephew, Mike, and niece, Anne. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ida; sister, Shirle Schamber; and great-granddaughter, Harper.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Rochelle Catlin

Friday, June 12, 2026

12:00-4:00pm

Westgate Sportsman Club Trap House

4909 Sportsman Dr., Eau Claire, WI.

Service at 12pm with luncheon to follow

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."

Ephesians 5:19

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.