Erin Latten

Erin Jeanne (Burke) Latten, age 68, left us far too soon on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, while being exceptionally cared for by the Benedictine and Winona Health Hospice teams. 

Erin leaves a legacy of love, loyalty, faith, and hard work. Diagnosed with a rare cancer in her late 20’s, she had an incredible will to survive against all odds. 

Erin was born in Winona, MN on December 10, 1955, to J. Timothy and Jeanne Burke. She graduated from Cotter High School in 1974 and the College of St. Teresa in 1978, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. 

Erin began her nursing career at Winona Health. After marrying an Air Force officer, Erin worked in various nursing roles at healthcare systems in California, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and the metro area of Minnesota. Erin moved back to Winona where she worked at St. Anne’s, Winona Health, and Minnesota State College Southeast. Her specialty was long-term care. 

Erin was honored in New York City during a live broadcast of a major TV news network for the patient and compassionate care she gave her residents. She was nominated by family members of a resident in Lake Winona Manor. 

Erin’s patients and residents remember her with great respect and admiration, as do the student nurses she taught and mentored; many of whom cared for Erin during the last few years of her life. 

A devoted mother, Erin balanced her personal and professional life making certain that her children always came first. She was incredibly artistic and had an amazing singing voice. She was a fabulous cook —particularly skilled in creating the most beautiful cookies and treats we could hardly wait to devour every Christmas holiday.

Erin was known for her quick wit and sense of humor -particularly her jokes. She had impeccable style, was very proud of her Irish and Polish heritage, and had the most amazing Santa collection. 

Erin was very spiritual and had a deep Christian faith. Her children and grandchildren were the loves of her life.

Erin is survived by her children, daughter, Nicole J. Latten, and her son A. Burke Latten (Desiree); her four grandchildren, Gabriella Danfield, Sean, Harper and Jack Latten; siblings Kathleen Lanik (James), T. Sean Burke (Shaune), Mary Stasic (Dr. Andrew Stasic), Brian Burke (Sandra), Kevin Burke (Amy), and Michael Burke (Jodie). Eight nieces and nephews; Goddaughter Elizabeth Hough (Josh), Jesse Lanik (Amanda), Brianna Burke, Kelli Kronebusch (Nik), Holly Long Burke, Dr. A.J. Stasic (Abbey), Dr. Nick Stasic (Ashley), Casey Burke, Mary, Erin and Michael Burke, and 11 great nieces and nephews (Madeline and Ethan Hough, Zoe and Jaxon Lanik, W. Connor and S. Cody Burke, Aiden, Kaelyn and Harlan Kronebusch, Charlie and Jack Stasic), and her Burke, Kohner and DeMarce cousins.

Erin was preceded in death by her parents, J. Timothy and Jeanne Burke, her niece Virginia Lynn Burke, nephew Christopher Michael Burke, cousins Lynn Kohner Fritz and Colleen Burke, and her dearest friend and former colleague, Jean Ivery.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, in Goodview, MN. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11am at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, in Goodview, MN with a 1-hour visitation prior to the service. 

The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the providers and healthcare teams of Winona Health, the Benedictine System of Winona, and Winona Health Hospice. A very special thank you to Dr. Mary Michener for her kind, patient, and compassionate care of Erin for so many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Winona Health Foundation or the Benedictine System, Winona are preferred.