Claude Bickler
October 21, 1926 – March 16, 2021
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.
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.