William J. Flatka

Bill was born on Aug. 15, 1931, in Aurora, Wis., son of the late William and Ernestine (Paquin) Flatka. An Iron Mountain High School graduate, Bill served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. On June 12, 1954, he married Violet Sparpana at the American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford.

A heavy equipment mechanic, Bill also worked in sales and his employers included Lake Shore, Superior Equipment, Pine Mountain Equipment and CCI before retiring in 2003. Bill was a member of Redemption Hill in Kingsford and enjoyed hunting and fishing; most of all, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife, Violet; his daughters, Debbie (Peter) Begres, Sherry Flatka, Wendy Larson, and Linda Quick; a brother, Douglas (Pat) Flatka; two sisters, Madalyn Johnson and Nancy Lindberg; 13 grandchildren, Mike (Leigh) Begres, Brian (Megan) Begres, Jessica (Ben) Maxson, Ben (Sarah) Begres, Emily (Paul) DeMay, Cassandra (Dave) Bartolac, Katie (Chris) Fowles, Brenda (Craig) Grandaw, BillieJo (John) Santy, Cody Larson, Conor (Valerie) Larson, Bryce Quick, and Kelsey (Devin) Wesolowski; a daughter-in-law, Mary Flatka; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Along with his parents, Bill is preceded in death by a son, William “Bill” Flatka; and a sister, Barbara (Kwetkowski) Carlson.

Visitation will be at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with Pastor Alex Tunnicliff officiating the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name.

Condolences to the family of William J. Flatka may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.