Since 1904 he had managed the affairs of the Wisconsin Telephone Co. here, and for more than 30 years has operated the Flatley Furniture and Undertaking Co.
Many other positions of responsibility and trust were held by this worthy man. Among them, he served as village president from 1903 to 1907; trustee of the village, 1898 to 1902; deputy Sheriff 1896 to 1898; alderman of the city 1924 to 1928; a member of the county Draft Board 1917 to 1918; on the city Hospital Board 1927 – 37; chairman of county relief committee 1933-39; member of reemployment committee 1933-39; president of the Board of Public Works, city, 1933-39; vice president of Oconto County State Bank during it’s existence.
I whatever capacity he served, Mr. Flatley was dependable, active and honest. He was always willing to help a deserving person or organization and his straight forwardness was appreciated by all who knew him.
Friends and opponents were accorded fair treatment always at his hand. His recognition of the right of all to beliefs of their own endeared him to his friends and won the respect of the people with whom he differed.
Mr. Flatley was born here on June 1st 1868, and had resided here nearly all his life. His marriage to Miss Theresa Plain took place in Milwaukee 44 years ago. Survivors include the widow, a son postmaster G. C. Flatley, one daughter, Mrs. Marion Beeker, a brother John J. Flatley of the falls, 2 sisters, Mrs. Anna Lane, Oconto Falls and Mrs. J. Maurer of Green Bay and five grandchildren.
Funeral rites are being conducted at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 10 o’clock this Friday morning by the Rev, Francis Melchoir. As a mark of respect all business places are closed during the service. Because of the day being Good Friday, the high requiem mass will be song at nine o’clock Monday morning. Internment is taking place in the local catholic cemetery.
Although his life of usefulness has been brought to an abrupt close, he had erected many monuments to his memory and he will not be forgotten for many years to come. Many city improvements, such as the bridge, paving, the city hall, etc. are markers along his highway of life and are his contributions to the town of his nativity. There are countless other monuments placed in the memory of those who knew and loved him for the honest, friendly, rugged character he was. His individuality is one that can not be replaced, his contributions cannot be computed, and W.A. Flatley will live in the hearts of his friends always.
In his eulogy, the Rev. Fr. Melchio, crystallized into words the respect, honor and love that Mr. Flatley had merited from the vast number of people who knew him. His rugged straightforward personality and honesty of purpose and his loyalty made of his life, a splendid example for all to follow.
The vast number of floral and spiritual bouquets further bespoke the high esteem in which the people of the state held Mr. Flatley. Among those at the rights were Mrs. Jake Maurer, Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Lane, Mr. And Mrs. Leslie Lane, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Stromberg and son Dick, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Noel, Sherman Golden and Lu Valentine, all of Green Bay; Miss Leona Lane of Chicago, Miss Anita Saunders of Milwaukee, and Dr. and Mrs. M. A. Flatley of Antigo.
Mr. and Mrs. John Flatley and Mrs. Shea of Greenleaf; Dan and Irene Flatley, Geneva Mann, Mrs. M. Irish and Leo Fox, all of Chilton; Mrs. George Maurer of Oshkosh; Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Sanderson, Mr. and Mrs. George Foster and Miss Ann Sullivan, of Menominee, Michigan, and Miss Myrtle Murray of Marquette, Michigan.
Dr. and Mrs. Otis Saunders, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Gustin and Mrs. Rose Briggs of Green Bay; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lingelbach, Mrs. Cleo Meeuwsen and Miss Mary Norton of Oconto; W.D. Hobbins, F. M. Belongia, Elmer Joneffe, Don Collins, A. Carrol and Adolph Jensen all Wis. Telephone company officials from Appleton and Oconto; Edw. Schuster of Denmark. All County Board members, the City Council, the Knights of Columbus and various county departments attended the rites in a body. Mr. Flatley will be greatly missed in many circles but he labored faithfully and well and is deserving of the reward of peace and rest.