Obituary of Gwendolyn E Bickler

Gwen Bickler, formerly of Antigo, WI and Sun City Center since 1991 passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022 in Sun City Center, FL at the age of 94.

Gwen was born on February 16, 1928 in Loyal, Wisconsin to the late William and Norma Tucker.  She graduated from Loyal High School and in 1948 received her bachelor’s degree from UW Eau Claire.  Gwen later went on to receive her Master’s Degree from UW Stevens Point.  She was united in marriage to Claude Bickler on June 7^, 1948 in Eau Claire.  They were married an incredible 74 years!

Gwen worked for the Wausau School District for 33 plus years as an elementary kindergarten teacher and reading specialist.  She spent the majority of her teaching career at Maine Elementary School and was loved by many, many students over the years.  Formerly residing in Antigo and Wausau before moving to Sun City Center, FL, Gwen remained involved in her communities.  She 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.  She was a member of the Wisconsin Education Association and continued her love of teaching by volunteering in kindergarten classrooms in Sun City Center.  She also was a regular volunteer at Aspirus Antigo Hospital when residing at Bass Lake, Antigo.

Survivors include a son, Scott (Fran) Bickler, Sun City Center, FL; daughter, Suzanne (John) Juedes of Wausau, WI; 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren.  In addition to her husband and parents, Gwen was preceded in death by a son, William Bickler, and one sister. 

Gwen was a devoted wife and mother always caring for her family and putting their needs before her own.  She will be remembered for her strong faith, sweet kindness to others and many talents.  She was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed playing the organ and gardening as well as baking.  We all loved her delicious brownies!  An avid golfer, Gwen could often be found on the Bass Lake Country Club golf course enjoying time with friends, or in earlier years floating on a big inner tube on the lake!  An exceptional woman, Gwen was loved and admired by many and will be greatly missed.

Internment will take place next summer for both Claude and Gwen at the Queen of Peace Cemetery, Antigo, WI.  Florida arrangements by Sun City Funeral Home will include an 11:00 funeral Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on February 1, 2023.