Claude Bickler
Claude Bickler, formerly of Antigo, Wis., and Sun City Center since 1991, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Sun City Center, Fla., at the age of 94.
Claude was born on October 21, 1926, in Marathon City to the late Peter and Ann (Langer) Bickler.
Claude graduated from Loyal High School. In 1948 he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UW Eau Claire. That same year he was united in marriage to Gwendolyn (Tucker) Bickler on June 7 in Eau Claire. She survives.
Claude worked for the Wausau School District for 37 years as an educator and elementary school principal. Formerly residing in Antigo and Wausau before moving to Sun City Center, Fla., Claude was always involved in his communities. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Elcho, St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wausau and Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center. He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, Marathon County Education Association, State and National Elementary Principals Association, Bass Lake Country Club and the Sandpiper Golf Club in Sun City. He was a proficient life-long golfer, finally giving it up at age 91.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a son, Scott (Fran) Bickler, Sun City Center, Fla.; daughter, Suzanne (John) Juedes of Wausau, Wis.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by a son, William Bickler; seven sisters; and 11 brothers.
Claude was a devoted husband and father, caring for Gwen and his family his ENTIRE life. He will always be remembered for his strong faith, sharp intelligence, kindness to others and many talents. Being a jack-of-all trades, there was nothing he couldn’t do. Be it fix, repair, build, train a horse or solve a problem, he could do it all. Always lending a helping hand, he was an exceptional man. Loved and admired by many, Claude will be greatly missed by all who knew him or of him.
William Henry Flatt
William (Bill) Henry Flatt of Sun City Center, Fla., passed peacefully at home on March 17, 2021.
Born in Dover, N.J., Bill graduated from Dover High School in 1968 and entered the US Army in 1969. In 1972 he moved to Lake Hopatcong, N.J., where he lived for 46 years, and worked at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover until his retirement in 2003. After retirement Bill worked as a security guard and as a CPR instructor for St. Clares Hospital in Denville, N.J., and served as captain of the Jefferson Township First Aid Squad as well as captain for the Roxbury Township Fire and Rescue.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Lucille (nee Parente); daughters, Dawn Flatt and her husband, Adam Leach, of Western Mass., and Lynn Gonzalez and her husband Joe of Wharton, N.J.; and their son, Bill’s beloved grandson, Joseph. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Flatt of New Jersy, and his sister, Judy Madrazo of Pa.
He is predeceased by his mother and father, John and Eleanor Flatt, and his older brother, John Flatt, Jr.
Bill loved hunting and fishing, and he and Lucille enjoyed spending time with friends at their camper in Shohola, Pennsylvania.
Bill will be missed by many for his sense of humor, willingness to help and his friendly nature.
A private service will be held for family at Sun City Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Roxbury Fire and Rescue Company #2 by visiting its website at roxbury2fireandems.com or by sending donations to 102-104 Shippenport Rd., Landing, NJ 07850.
Don C. Myette
Don C. Myette, 86, of Sun City Center, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2021. Born and raised in Chicopee, Mass., he graduated from Chicopee High School and received a degree at Western New England College. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He then pursued a career with UniFirst corporation, where he worked for more than three decades, holding various leadership positions including regional vice president.
Don is preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Janet; daughter, Nicole Lynn; and his sister, Loretta Deloria of Chicopee, Mass. Don is survived by his wife, Judith Jez Myette; daughter, Jeannine Myette Ballenberger; brother, Allen Myette of Rhode Island; and granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Haley Ballenberger. He is also survived by stepchildren, Lauren Cresta and Matthew Skowyra, and their children, Chase and Olive.
Don was a lifelong avid golfer and “news junkie” with a quick wit, contagious smile and a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A private service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Don’s preferred charity, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.
