Margaret “Peggy” Flaten
Margaret “Peggy” Flaten, 93, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on May 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born January 22, 1929, in Green Bay. She is the daughter of John and Leona (Redle) Rocheleau. Peggy graduated from St. Joseph Academy with the class of 1946. On January 29, 1949, she married Eugene “Gene” Flaten at Annunciation Church. They shared 37 years together before Gene passed away on November 24, 1986.
Before having children, Peggy worked for National Biscuit Company. She then stayed home and raised her children. At the age of 50, she began working at Bay Natural Foods, and remained there until retiring at age 70.
It is almost impossible to put into words the woman Peggy was. She had a smile that brought happiness to everyone around her. She had non-stop energy that she used to care for her family and countless others with whom she came in contact throughout her life. Her life was an example for others to follow, focusing on service, kindness and acceptance of everyone. She had a strong sense of justice and was never afraid to stand up for what she thought was right, but did it with kindness and a smile.
Peggy’s concern and love for others arose from her deep spirituality. She was the embodiment of the best of Christianity, of Christ on earth, loving her neighbor as herself. She was not rigid in her beliefs and was always open to the ideas and feelings of others, but modeled her own actions on those of a loving and healing Jesus.
A list of Peggy’s decades-long activities gives a glimpse into her energy and heart. She was an active member of Annunciation Parish, organizing funeral dinners for over 35 years, serving as bakery chairperson of the annual picnic, and participating in the Mission Society and Bible Study program. She was an active member of the Democratic Party and served as an election Chief Inspector for decades. She was an active 50-year member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary, serving as secretary of the organization. For over 37 years she volunteered at St Vincent de Paul, and for over 25 years at St. Mary’s Hospital and the Post Office Food Drive. She also volunteered at Coats for Kids, and enjoyed time spent with the club Special Friends. Peggy was an avid reader and walker, who always loved to travel and learn new things. She treasured time spent with her family, grandchildren and friends, and the hours spent around her kitchen table bring memories of joy to her loved ones.
Peggy is survived by her 5 children: Linda Montgomery, Cathy (Mike) Berndt, Sue (Ted) Kranick, Ken (Lori) Flaten, and Mary (Paul) Dolson; 13 grandchildren: Brent (Monica) Montgomery, Nick (Andrea) Berndt, Rachel (Michael) Wilson, Nathan Kranick, Maria Kranick, Alyssa (Cassie) Flaten, Spencer (Molly) Flaten, Jordan Flaten, Abigail Flaten, Steven (Gerald) Utic, Mackenzie Utic, Josh (Emily) Dolson, Erik (Pedro) Dolson; 6 great-grandchildren: Rowan and Finnan Berndt, Rylee Kranick, Aurora, Eliana and Max Flaten; sisters: Helen Rocheleau and Barbara (Lyle) LaPlante; sisters-in-law Shirley Willems and Joan Williquette; and many nieces and nephews.
Peggy was preceded in death by husband, Gene; her parents John and Leona Rocheleau; her mother-in-law and father-in-law Olaf and Cecelia Flaten; sisters-in-law Gloria Peters and Patricia Walus; brothers-in-law Jerry Peters, Jerry Willems, Ozzie Walus, Dan Williquette.
Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., on Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Parish wake service is at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 Gray St., from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am with Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem. officiating. The livestream of services may be viewed by going to https://youtu.be/gzCgq-ztHv4 . On-line condolences may be sent to Peggy’s family at www.prokowall.com.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff at Oak Park Place and Unity Hospice, for the wonderful care, comfort and compassion given to Peggy and the family. Memorial donations can be made in Peggy’s honor to St. Vincent de Paul or to a local food pantry.