Wendy Sue Kotchian
September 13, 1957 ~ November 5, 2019
Wendy Kotchian, 62 of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away at her home on November 5, 2019.
Wendy Sue (Klefstad) Kotchian was born September 13, 1957, in Oaks, ND to her parents Harland Klefstad and Lyla (Lewis) Klefstad. Wendy grew up in Forman, ND with her siblings Steve Klefstad and Janel (McLaen) Klefstad. She graduated from Sargent Central High School in 1975 and attended college after that earning an Associate’s Degree from North Dakota State College of Science.
Wendy married Raymond Kotchian in July of 1977, and the two moved to the Fargo/Moorhead area in 1978. Wendy and Ray started their family in 1980 with the birth of the first of their seven children, Traci. Shortly after, Wendy started her 38 year career as a Unit Clerk in the Pediatric Ward in the local Hospital. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s Ray and Wendy added to their family with three more children Alex, Adam, and Carly.
Wendy’s care for children extended far beyond her work on the Pediatric Ward. Wendy was a strong advocate and participant in the Cass County Foster Care system for many years fostering numerous children. Wendy treated each foster child as one of her own. It is through foster care that Ray and Wendy adopted three children: Jasmine, Robert, and Madison. Wendy will always be remembered for her relentless dedication to her family.
Wendy is survived by her husband Raymond Kotchian. Her children Traci (Blake) Hofferber, Alex (Heidi) Kotchian, grandson Xander, Adam (Meghan) Kotchian, Carly Kotchian, grandson Ryker, Robert Kotchian, Jasmine Kotchian, and Madison Kotchian. Her niece Awna (Andrew Clapp) Kotchian. Her brother Steve (Laurie) Klefstad, Janell (Steven) McLaen. She was preceded in death by her mother and father Lyla (Lewis) Klefstad and Harlan Klefstad.
In lieu of flowers please consider giving in Wendy’s name to the Fargo YWCA.
A celebration of Wendy’s life will be held at 2 PM, Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 with visitation starting at 1 PM, at Hope Lutheran Church South Campus. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
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Ray and family,
We just heard about Wendy’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray and family,
Wendy was a dear friend and co-worker. Her Sanford Peds family
will miss her tremendously.
Ray,
Please know that we keep you and your family in our thoughts. We pray that you can find some comfort in your memories of Wendy and knowing she is in a better place.
Ray so sorry to hear about your loss our family will be praying for yours
Ray… I just heard about Wendy. I am so sorry. Lori and I always enjoyed the time that we had with the two of you at the kids hockey and soccer games and get togethers. I will always remember her. Your family has my sympathy and prayers.
My Deepest Sympathy. So Sorry for your loss!!
So very sorry for loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sending deepest condolences from and old friend Twila Veil.
I had know Wendy for years. She has such a sweet lady. She will be missed
Wendy was always welcoming to our Hofferber clan and treated us like family from the first time we met. May the memories of her help you find peace and comfort in this heartbreaking time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven has gained an angel who will always continue to watch over her family.
God Bless, Prayers to All
We are so sorry to hear about Wendy! Ray and kids we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are heavy! Deb Lynn and Tim Hjelmstad
Janelle….and all in your family….you are experiencing a great loss…..I am so sorry for your pain….but….at the same time…..I am so thankful for the life of your sister Wendy, on this earth. Such a beautiful person and soul.. may You actually FEEL…. the arms of Jesus around you….giving you comfort now….and in days to come. Sincerely, from Mary Galbreath
Ray and Family, how do I begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear of Wendy’s passing. I will always remember her bright and cheery personality and forever positivity. I am so blessed to have shared the connection with Wendy, you, and your children through the “daycare” years. Please know you are in my thoughts….
Dear Ray and Family:
With sadness, we read the passing of Wendy. Such a tragic loss, as we know, she will be dearly missed. We have great memories from the lake as neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with all during this time of loss.
Gary, Sharon and Girls Renier
I am so sorry to hear about Wendy. I remember many times at Ray and Ella Mae Seaverts’ laughing at the things Wendy and Paula Seavert Pearson would say ‘or’ do! One just never knew!! Thank you for the memories, Wendy.
My thoughts are with you all.
Linda Seavert
Ray and family,
I was so sad to hear about Wendy. My heart goes out to all of you. With many wonderful memories and time, may you find peace.
Mary (Lee) Jordheim
My sympathies
Ray and Family,
Our condolescences. We’re so sorry we won’t be able to get to the funeral on Monday, but will be thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Andy, Cindy, Ben, Rachel and Jake McLean
Ray and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Hopefully, time and loving memories will help ease the pain of Wendy’s loss. Thoughts and prayers with you. 🙏
—Bill Haring
So sorry for ur loss
So sad about the passing of Wendy, what a caring woman.
Sorry for your loss Ray. Our prayers are with you and yours.
Dearest Ray and the Kotchian, Klefstad and McLaen families, We were so saddened to hear about Wendy’s passing. She was such a beautiful little girl who grew into a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. Ray, you and Wendy raised a wonderful family and they will carry her legacy forward. Our hearts are so sad for all of you and the many others who will miss her dearly. May Wendy’s faith and your faith give you peace in knowing she is in her eternal home resting in our Saviour’s arms. Bless all of your families and cherish your many memories; they will keep her close. Peace to you, Doug & Sarah Dobmeier and families.
Ray & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing Wendy is at peace in heaven, and that this is only a temporary parting for you.
I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Prayers to the family that you all get through this and remembers all the good times you had. God be with you all.
Ray & family, Our heartfelt sorrow on the loss of your lovely wife & mother. I so enjoyed visiting with Wndy at UND hockey games or Erin & Garys parties. May your loving memories bring you comfort, her light shines on through each of you.
Ray and family, we are so saddened to hear of Wendy’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind and fun person and will by missed by many. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Ray, Adam and family. So sorry to read about Wendy’s passing. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Kathy Dahl
When we were young Wendy treated me like a brother.Always kind and caring I will always remember her.May the Lord watch over all her family and give them peace.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers will be with you during this time.
Ray and Family, so very sorry for you loss, my heart goes out to all of you.
May God bring you peace, with all your wonderful memories.
Traci, So sorry for the loss of your mother. I lost mine when she was 52, it’s a difficult journey and I’ll keep you in my prayers and in my heart. Miss you Traci, wish you were still with us at Asp. If you need an ear, I’m hear to listen. Love you Traci.
Karla Brewster
So sorry xo
RAY
Just heard about Wendy”s passing today. I’ll always remember our high school days of touring Sargent County together. Some memories and times I will always cherish. Glad I met both of you. I’m a better person for known both of you. Sympathy, hope and prays to all
“God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)