Dr. Matthew Philip Latacha

Matthew P. Latacha was born January 4, 1976, in Evanston, Illinois to parents Stan and Diann Latacha. He spent his early childhood in Chicago where his sister, Kathryn, was also born. When he was 12, he moved to Boston, MA, and then relocated to Omaha during his freshman year of high school. Matthew graduated from Millard North High School in 1994 as an outstanding student and member of the football team. Matthew attended Washington University in St. Louis where he received a bachelor’s degree in biology. After college, he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, receiving a prestigious Regents Scholarship for being one of the top 6 students in his class. He completed medical school in 2002 and matched at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/ Washington University in St. Louis for residency in Internal Medicine. Following residency, he completed two fellowships – one in general cardiology and the other in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, both at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Even before he completed his medical training, others recognized his talent, and he was recruited by Heart Consultants in Omaha, NE. Since 2009, he was a member of the Methodist Health System treating complex disorders of the cardiac conduction system. He was a gifted and compassionate cardiologist who was beloved by his patients and respected by his colleagues. Matthew met his wife, Kim, during high school, although they did not date at that time. They reconnected at UNMC and were married in 2001. Together they have three beautiful children, Abby, Madelyn, and Nathan. Matthew was a devoted father and an exceptional chef. He cooked for his family daily and went to great lengths to purchase environmentally conscious and ethically sourced ingredients. He was an avid reader of non-fiction and was fascinated with military history. Two of his favorite past times were visiting the SAC Museum and attending the air show. Matthew loved all animals, but especially reptiles. Several snakes, lizards, chameleons and bearded dragons have thrived under his care. Matthew was passionate about health and fitness. Physical activity was an important part of his life and he either attended Crossfit class, ran, or biked daily. As a cardiologist, he felt it was important not just to recommend a healthy lifestyle to his patients, but to model it as well. When not treating patients, cooking, or working out, Matthew could be found in the basement practicing on his Les Paul guitar, drinking a beautiful Napa Cabernet, listening to classic rock, driving his Tesla, or talking about great coffee. He knew so much about so many different things. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Omaha community. Matthew 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 (Lindsey) and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 AM, with visitation Friday evening 5-8PM, both at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. Memorials may be made to the family for the establishment of a memorial fund in his name.

Dr. Matthew Philip Latacha

January 4, 1976 - September 10, 2023