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Arthur A. Flater

February 27, 1938 - August 4, 2026
Visitation
Hales Corners Lutheran Church
12300 West Janesville Road
Hales Corners, WI 53130
Tuesday 8/11, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Service
Hales Corners Lutheran Church
12300 West Janesville Road
Hales Corners, WI 53130
Tuesday 8/11, 12:00 pm

Arthur “Art” Flater

Called home to the Lord, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 88. Dear husband of Barb (nee Bradish) for 65 years. Loving and devoted father of Art (Kathy), Alan (Penny), Sherry (Benji) Zimmerman and Andy (Sue).

Proud, fun and loving grandpa of Arthur, Nathan (Sara), Lauren; Amy (Isaac) Klahn, Allison (Jason) McKelvey, Alexander (Gabriella), Abigail (Aaron) Heidersheid, Timothy (Ashley), Elizabeth (Joshua) Nickels, Rebekah, Sarah; Amanda (Ben) Juncer, Bailey (Benjamin) Bukowiec; Calley and Andrew. Cherished great grandpa of Caleb, Nathan, Lydia, Hannah, Peter & Esther Klahn; Savanna, Connor & Beckett McKelvey; Winston, Titus, Juliet & Estella Flater; Naomi Heidersheid, Nicolas & Jeremy Flater; Nora & Gwen Juncer; Benny & Billy Bukowiec. Preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Adeline Flater.

Art devoted his life to his faith, his family, and serving others. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Whether at home, on the ball field, around the card table, or sitting on the dock with a fishing pole, Art found countless opportunities to encourage others, share a story, and make people laugh.
Arthur A. Flater was born on February 27, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Arthur O. Flater and Adeline A. (Kiss) Flater. He was raised in West Allis, where he developed the values of hard work, faith, service, and community that guided him throughout his life.
Art proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard, reflecting the quiet dedication and sense of duty that remained with him long after his military service ended.
A lifelong believer in the value of education, Art earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and later received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He devoted his professional career to Milwaukee Public Schools, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 1993.
More important than any title or accomplishment, Art shared with his family his love of the Lord and taught them the importance of hard work, education, caring for one another, and always making room for fun. These lessons were not simply spoken they were lived every day through his kindness, generosity, patience, humility, and unwavering love.
As a grandfather, however, Art believed there were a few lessons that parents probably didn’t appreciate. He delighted in teaching his grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren all the little habits, funny sayings, and playful tricks that parents spent years trying to undo. A mischievous grin, a harmless prank, or a phrase that left Mom or Dad saying, “Dad… seriously?” became part of Grandpa’s charm.
Whenever Grandma and Grandpa took the grandchildren out, it became an unspoken tradition that Grandpa would stop for custard cones. Those simple outings and sweet treats became treasured memories his grandchildren will carry with them forever. Art had a special gift for making every visit fun, reminding everyone that laughter was just as important as wisdom. His legacy includes not only the values he passed on but also the smiles, inside jokes, family traditions, and joyful memories that will continue for generations.
Art was a gifted storyteller, whether reading a favorite book to a child or sharing one of his own unforgettable tales. Somehow, his stories grew a little better with every telling, filling rooms with laughter and creating memories that will never fade.
He found great joy in spending time with his family. Basketball, baseball, bowling, card games, and board games were never just games to Art they were opportunities to be together, encourage one another, and create lasting memories. While winning was always important, sharing laughter, strengthening relationships, and simply enjoying each other’s company mattered even more.
Art also found peace in tending his garden, especially his beautiful roses. He delighted in sharing his flowers with family, friends, and neighbors, just as freely as he shared his kindness, generosity, and friendship.
Throughout his life, Art enjoyed the companionship of several beloved dogs, appreciating each one’s unique personality and the joy they brought to his home.
One of Art’s favorite places was the family’s summer home on Washington Island. There he found peace while fishing, marveled at breathtaking sunsets, and treasured every moment spent surrounded by those he loved most. Those simple days together became some of his family’s most cherished memories.
Art believed deeply in serving others. He generously volunteered with Interfaith, served as a Red Coat volunteer at the hospital, volunteered at the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, and volunteered at the Todd Wehr childrens Theater, quietly offering his help wherever he saw a need. He believed that a life well lived was one spent making the lives of others a little brighter.
Of all the blessings in Art’s life, none was greater than his beloved wife of 65 years. Their enduring marriage was the foundation of their family and a beautiful example of faith, devotion, partnership, and unconditional love. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, service, and countless treasured memories.
Art will be remembered for his steadfast faith, generous heart, playful sense of humor, and the love he gave so freely. He leaves behind a legacy of lessons both profound and playful—teaching his family how to live with integrity, love deeply, laugh often, serve generously, and occasionally get away with a little mischief.
Though he will be deeply missed, his stories, his laughter, and the countless memories he created will continue to inspire and bring joy to all who knew and loved him.

Gathering will be held at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, 12300 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, WI 53130, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Memorial Service at 12:00 PM.

Older man with round glasses smiling, wearing a red argyle sweater and dark blazer.
Bride and groom pose with their grandparents under a floral wedding arch outdoors, all smiling.”
Family of five sitting together on a living-room sofa: grandfather on the left, teen in the middle, two young children, and a father on the right, all smiling.
A group of people posing together in a room: a smiling young woman with a baby, an older woman in a wheelchair, and others nearby, with coats hanging in the background.
Three people posing for a photo: an elderly man in a wheelchair on the left, a smiling woman in the middle, and a man in a red jacket on the right, indoors near a Christmas tree.
Older man with glasses smiling while seated on a wooden chair, wearing a light gray and navy polo and black pants in a home setting.
An older man filleting a fish on a white table outdoors while a girl watches nearby in a park setting.
Older man with glasses sits in a chair, smiling and waving while cradling a newborn in a blue blanket.
Group of four people posing for a photo indoors, with an older man in a striped sweater in the foreground and two smiling women behind him; a wall-mounted phone is on the pale green wall to the left.
Older man with glasses wearing a dark, striped sweater, positioned indoors against a wooden door, looking slightly to the right.
Group of smiling people in formal attire posing outdoors at a sunny event, including an elderly woman in a cream sweater and three men in suits.
Older man with glasses seated at a table; a younger man in an orange shirt stands behind him, making a peace sign near his head. A black dog sits in the foreground, with a plate of cookies on the left and a painting on the wall in the background.
Child in a light dress hands a green bubble blower to an elderly man as bubbles float around them outdoors.
Ten adults posing for a group photo in a living room, smiling, with framed art on the wall and gift bags on the floor to the right.
Three men of different ages sit close together on a beige sofa, smiling at the camera in a living room.
Grandmother and young girl smiling together on a couch, arms around each other in a cozy living room setting.
Five adults smiling on a white railing balcony in front of a light gray house, with a tall green hedge in the foreground.
Two elderly people stand on a white balcony railing outside a gray siding house, smiling, with green bushes in the foreground.
Four people sitting on a sofa smiling at the camera: a boy in an orange shirt, two older adults, and a man in a red shirt.
Multi-generational family posing on a front porch in front of a textured house, smiling at the camera; a man holds a small child, and another person holds a black poodle.
Woman on an orange sofa being kissed by three children in a cozy living room with a lamp and framed pictures on the wall.
Elderly couple posing for a portrait: man in a suit with a red argyle sweater, woman in a blue dress and beaded necklace smiling behind him.
Group portrait of three men in suits with a smiling child in front, against a blue backdrop.
An elderly man and woman in white shirts cutting a white, flower-decorated cake at a celebration indoors.
Young person in a vintage sailor uniform, white hat and glasses, smiling at the camera (black-and-white photo).
Older couple smiling and posing in a dining room with a cake and many cards on the table in front of them.
Older couple cutting a white anniversary cake labeled 'Happy 25th Anniversary' at a party, with bread rolls nearby on the table.
Bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands between an older man in a dark suit and a woman in a floral dress, with a smiling man in a white suit beside them at a reception.
Young man in a suit and tie, wearing glasses, posed for a black-and-white portrait.
Black-and-white portrait of a young man with slicked-back hair, thick glasses, a light suit, and a patterned tie.
Two young Cub Scouts in uniforms cut and share cake at a kitchen table.
Smiling toddler sitting on a dark wooden bench, wearing a polo shirt and sneakers in a vintage sepia photo.
Family portrait of two adults and several children posing in a studio with soft backdrop, all smiling.
Smiling man in a light gray suit, white shirt, and striped tie, wearing glasses, looking at the camera against a soft gray background.
Group of shirtless boys in swim trunks and socks standing on a sunny suburban driveway; a motorcycle with lights is parked to the left, power lines above.
Older man in a green shirt sits on a couch, holding a small black and tan dachshund puppy.
Family group on the front porch steps, surrounded by ivy, posing for the photo.
Man wearing a hat and life vest on a small boat at night, holding a rope, with dark water and trees in the background.
Smiling man in a tuxedo standing between two dartboard arcade machines in a dimly lit venue, facing the camera.
Three men sit on a couch in a living room holding a newborn baby wrapped in a blanket between them, smiling at the camera.
Two older men sit on a weathered wooden fence outdoors, smiling with green trees in the background.
Three men stand side by side in a home kitchen, each holding a cup and smiling at the camera.
Person in a king costume with crown and long cape, smiling on a lawn in front of a stone house.
Two men stand by a picnic table with drinks on a sunny lawn, red coolers nearby, trees in the background.
Golfer in white shirt and striped socks swings a club on a sunny course while a caddie with a cart watches nearby.
Softball game in progress on a dusty field; a batter in a red shirt swings as spectators watch from behind a chain-link fence.
A group of older men in matching blue baseball jerseys and caps posing for a team photo outdoors in a park, with a bench and trees in the background.
Group of older adults in a gym posing for a photo after a game, wearing sports shirts and shorts.
Older man in a white shirt sits at a piano, raising his right hand mid-play in a small office or music room with a computer and papers on a desk behind him.
Four smiling adults wearing yellow Medieval Times crowns sit at a restaurant table with drinks and menus in front of them.
Bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet, standing with a groom in a white suit inside a church with colorful stained-glass windows behind them.
Group of twelve people posing together on a weathered wooden deck in front of a gray wall, smiling for a family photo.
Multi-generation family group photo in a living room during a Christmas celebration, with wrapped gifts in the foreground and everyone smiling at the camera.
Three generations on a plaid sofa: an elderly man in a suit, a smiling senior, and a younger man holding a baby with a cozy living room backdrop.
Older man in a wooden chair indoors raises a mug in his right hand while a small brown-and-white dog sits on his lap and a large black dog stands nearby; a stone fireplace and wooden shelves are in the background.
An elderly couple dances together at a social gathering, smiling at the camera with others mingling in the background.
Six family members pose outdoors with trees in the background: bride in a lace white gown, groom in a gray suit, two adults in formal wear, and two elderly relatives (one seated in a navy dress). They smile for the camera on a sunny day at the yard.
People sit at a banquet table during a formal event, with drinks and ribbons visible on the table.
Five people sitting closely on a dark couch in a living room, smiling at the camera against a light blue wall with a framed picture above them.
Bride in white gown and veil posing with her parents in formal attire at a wedding ceremony backdrop of carved wooden doors; bouquet in hand.
Elderly couple standing arm in arm on a porch in front of a white door with a wreath, stone and brick exterior. Scroll plaques show 10511 and 10509.
Older man with round glasses holding a large fish outdoors, body in a blue sweatshirt, forest background
Black-and-white photo of four adults seated around a dining table with candles and dishes, smiling in a home kitchen/dining room.
Multi-generational family posing indoors in front of a stone fireplace, smiling at the camera.
A smiling woman in a light dress stands with a man in a dark suit and hat, joined by a small child, outdoors in a sunny park setting.
A multigenerational family sits together on a gray sofa in a living room, from left: an elderly man in a blue hoodie, a younger woman, a man in a plaid shirt, an elderly woman with a baby tucked in a brown blanket on her lap.
Three people smile at a birthday table with a frosted cake and tea cups in front of them.
Smiling group outdoors: young woman in green hoodie holding a baby, an older woman beside her, a man in a blue shirt, and a man in a white shirt holding a young girl leaning to the side.
A couple in uniformed shirts and high-waisted trousers stand arm in arm on a rooftop deck with a young girl in a dress beside them; a railing and water are in the background.
Smiling older man and young girl wearing party hats on a couch in a living room
Father seated with a baby on his lap as a woman leans in from the left, smiling in a cozy living room.
Older man in a red shirt and a child in a blue hooded jacket playing foosball on a wooden table in a living room.
Two elderly people stand on a white-railed front porch of a gray house, smiling and waving to the camera.
Wedding reception with guests in formal attire seated along a long dinner table, showing bowls, cups, and a floral centerpiece.
Older man with glasses in a blue wolf shirt looks down at a large aerial photograph on his hands.
Bride and groom stand with their parents in a church wedding photo, all smiling in formal attire.
Bride in a wedding gown exits a building, surrounded by bridesmaids and guests throwing flowers.
Front-left woman takes a group selfie with two kids and two seniors posing on a maroon couch indoors among wooden blinds.
Young woman and elderly man smiling for a selfie indoors, seated on a beige couch.
Family group outdoors posing for a photo with a brown-and-white dog at the front.
Graduate in green cap and gown holding a diploma poses with four family members outdoors on a sunny, grassy field.
Grandfather in a white shirt sitting on a floral wicker couch, smiling at a baby resting on his lap who looks up at him in a bright room.
Four older adults posing for a formal photo in a living room: two men in suits (one with bow tie) and two women in colorful dresses wearing corsages.
Two women hug and smile at the camera, an elderly woman with glasses on the left and a younger woman on the right wearing gray clothing.
Smiling young woman and elderly woman sitting close together on a sofa.
Three generations posing for a photo indoors: an elderly man in a wheelchair in front, and two women smiling behind him.
Baby standing outdoors, reaching forward with both arms, wearing a diaper and socks on a grassy yard.
Close-up of a baby with an open mouth, seated at a table and reaching toward a plate in front of him.
A young child stands in a front yard, holding a long rifle and waving, with a house and garden behind them.
Person in a skeleton costume with an oversized helmet, standing and holding a tablet in front of them.
Black-and-white portrait of a smiling boy in a collared, patterned shirt and dark jacket.
Black-and-white portrait of a young man with short hair and round glasses, facing the camera.
Child in blazer and shorts standing in a grassy yard with a building behind him.
Two young children in winter coats and hats stand beside a baby carriage on a steps outside a house.
Smiling elderly woman wearing glasses cradling a newborn baby wrapped in a gray floral blanket.
Family group around a wooden dining table playing a card/board game indoors, with coins and cups on the table.
Smiling family group photo on a wooden deck in front of a grey house. Everyone faces the camera.
Senior man relaxing on a blue-and-white striped lounge chair on a wooden deck by the water.
Grandfather and grandson smiling at the camera on a porch, wearing a striped shirt and red T-shirt.
Smiling elderly man with glasses and a young girl sitting close together on a gray couch.
Smiling family group around an elderly man in a wheelchair indoors near a doorway.
Smiling elderly man in a wheelchair with a younger woman leaning in for a hug beside him.
Elderly woman in a blue dress and elderly man in a white plaid sweater walk arm in arm at an outdoor event, with spectators on the right.
Group portrait at a wedding reception with bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family holding pink bouquets.
Bride and groom posing with smiling parents, indoors wedding setting; bride holds pink rose bouquet.
Six people— adults and children—sitting around a wooden dining table playing cards with coins and papers nearby in a cozy home dining area.
Multi-generation family posing for a photo outdoors in a sunny yard with tall trees in the background, all smiling.
Happy elderly couple posing for a photo at a rustic indoor event, string lights overhead and candles on the tables in the background.
Four family members sit on a bench outdoors, two grandparents with two young boys in formal attire, all smiling at the camera.
A large group of people of many ages posing together on a front yard and steps of a house.
Grandfather in a blue hoodie smiling with a young girl in a black dress sitting on a black sofa together on a couch image.
Older man with glasses and a smiling child eating a snack while looking at a tablet in a cozy living room setting.
Two elderly adults pose together: a woman in a dark vest and a man in a red blazer holding a newborn wrapped in a blanket; both smiling in a hospital setting.
Smiling elderly couple standing close together indoors, woman in red patterned top and man in dark plaid sweater.
Family group posing outdoors in a yard, with an older woman holding a baby wrapped in a colorful blanket while others stand nearby.
Group photo of many children and adults in a living room with a stone fireplace and holiday garland outside the frame windowed walls.
Family group photo on a sofa in a living room, with children and two elderly adults smiling at the camera.
Older man wearing glasses and a blue jacket plays a large black-and-white accordion indoors in a living room setting.
Two men stand in a sunlit grassy yard with a black dog on a leash; the older man smiles at the camera while the younger man looks down.
Older man with glasses sits in a patterned armchair, cradling a newborn wrapped in a teal blanket.
Smiling group of family members around an elderly man in a wheelchair, indoors with cake on the table and crumbs nearby.
Four people in formal attire pose together on a stage with a blue decorative swirl backdrop, smiling for a group photo at an event.
Grandfather and young boy smile at a tablet game on a wooden table, with letter tiles laid out in a rack nearby.
Five people sit closely on a light gray sofa, with an elderly man in the center, two young boys in plaid shirts, and two men on the ends, all smiling at the camera.
Family group photo on a front porch: woman holding a baby, man standing behind with a young boy, and two elderly grandparents smiling beside them.
Older man with glasses sits on a leather couch, smiling at a baby girl in a red dress with a bow in her hair held on his lap
Young woman and an elderly man smiling warmly, sitting close on a couch for a selfie.
Grandfather with glasses smiling while sitting with a young girl on his lap near a sunlit window.
Bride and groom with two older relatives posing at a wedding beneath a floral arch.
Smiling elderly man with round glasses wearing a red argyle sweater over a white shirt; blue striped backdrop.
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Visitation
Hales Corners Lutheran Church
12300 West Janesville Road
Hales Corners, WI 53130
Map
Tuesday 8/11, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Service
Hales Corners Lutheran Church
12300 West Janesville Road
Hales Corners, WI 53130
Map
Tuesday 8/11, 12:00 pm
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Arthur “Art” Flater Called home to the Lord, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 88. Dear husband of Barb (nee Bradish) for 65 years. Loving and devoted father of Art (Kathy), Alan (Penny), Sherry (Benji) Zimmerman and Andy (Sue). Proud, fun and loving grandpa of Arthur, Nathan (Sara), Lauren; Amy (Isaac) Klahn,Continue Reading

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Tree 5 trees were planted in memory of Arthur Flater
The Bettendorf and Gartzke families left a message on August 11, 2026:
In loving memory of Uncle Art.
Anonymous left a message on August 11, 2026:
Artie, Well miss you. Youre irreplaceable. Love, John and Jan Mueller
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of Arthur Flater by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Anonymous left a message on August 11, 2026:
Praying for your family. May God give you peace and comfort. Arthur is in great hands with the Lord our Father. Love to you all. Angila & Scott Allen
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Arthur Flater . Plant a Tree
susan olsen left a message on August 11, 2026:
Such a sad occasion. I will be acknowledging Artie's passing privately. "The wise man who built his house on a rock..." Matthew 7:24
Tim and Jane Connell left a message on August 10, 2026:
With deepest condolences.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Arthur Flater . Plant a Tree
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Barb & Michelle Forster, Tammy Wishowski & Rochelle Segura left a message on August 9, 2026:
With heartfelt sympathy & deepest condolences. May your loving memories bring you comfort & peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Arthur Flater by Barb & Michelle Forster, Tammy Wishowski & Rochelle Segura. Send Flowers
StoryHill Church left a message on August 7, 2026:
Praying for your family and loved ones during this season
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Arthur Flater by StoryHill Church. Send Flowers
Anonymous left a message on August 5, 2026:
Flater Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Arthur Flater by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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