Obituary: Wayne Sickler

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

Wayne Sickler passed away peacefully August 23, 2021 at Greentree of Hubbell Rehab and Health. He was 82 years old and was born in Mosinee, Wisconsin. He spent most of his youth in Mohawk where he was active in baseball, hockey, and football. Wayne graduated from Calumet High School in 1958 where he won the George Gipp Award and was all state in football. He played football at University of Michigan and Northern Michigan University where he set many records including being highest scorer in the state of Michigan. In 1962 he spent 2 years in Munising coaching football. He moved to Calumet in 1964 where he was a teacher, football coach and administrator until 1992. He was the UP football coach of the year in 1966 and athletic director of the year in 1987 and 1992. He was instrumental in starting girls’ sports, the high school hockey program and the CLK All Sports Booster Club. Wayne was selected into the CLK, Northern Michigan University and the UP sports hall of fames.

After retirement he and his wife Barb moved to Eagle Harbor where he volunteered in the fire department, recreation committee, and was on the boards of the Keweenaw County Historical Society and St Peters by the Sea. He loved working on his garden and playing golf. He is a member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Mohawk. Wayne was proceeded in death by parents Elmer and Martha Sickler. Surviving by wife Barb (Burda), son Bob (Naomi of West Bloomfield, grandson Ty and granddaughter Arianna), sister Carol Burzinski of Rothschild, WI, brother James (Tricia) of Tuscan, Arizona and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter by the Sea Church in Eagle Harbor at 4:00 pm on Saturday August 28, 2021 with Pastor Larry Molloy to officiate.

The visitation will be held on Thursday August 26, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

Special thanks to the employees of View Assisted living Center and the Greentree of Hubbell Rehab and Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the CLK All Sports Booster Club at PO Box 295, Calumet, MI 49913.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.