Nicholas Thomas Bichler

Nicholas Thomas Bichler of Dacada, Wis., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on Dec. 7, 1936, in Sheboygan, Nic was the son of Nicholas D. and Susan (Mayer) Bichler.

On Jan. 21, 1961, he married Mary Ann Last. Together, they raised a loving family and built a life centered on hard work, faith and devotion to one another.

Nic proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957.

He spent much of his career at Bolens before retiring and, along with Mary Ann, operated the Mirror Bar in Dacada from 1977 onward. A familiar and friendly face in the community, Nic often said he “never met a customer he didn’t like.”

He was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish and the American Legion Post in Belgium.

An avid sports fan, Nic loved cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers. He was devoted fan of Random Lake Rams sports, especially when his son Chris was coaching through the strong years of Ram football. He cherished attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and was known for creating a welcoming atmosphere at the Mirror Bar — even removing the jukebox so it wouldn’t interfere with game time.

Nic is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Ann; his children Patrick (Ann) Bichler and Jody (Tom) Bley; daughter-in-law Kathy Bichler (wife of Chris); grandchildren Nicholas, Karsyn, Cole (Nicole), Samantha (Aaron), and Taylor (Steph); and great-grandchildren Elliot, Owen, Mila, Dominic and Norah. He is also survived by his brother Robert Bichler, sisters-in-law Bonnie Bichler and Joanne Last, brother-in-law John Schmitz and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Clarence and Laura (Becker) Last, his son Christopher Bichler, 12 siblings and brother-in-law Larry Last.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish, St. Nicholas Chapel, W4274 County Rd. K, Random Lake (Dacada), Wis. Relatives and friends may visit the family at the church from 1 to 5:45 p.m. Please feel free to honor Nic by wearing your sports team attire.

Burial will take place privately the next day with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in accordance with Nic’s wishes.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the caring staff at Gables on the Pond and the dedicated caregivers from Preceptor for their kindness and compassionate care.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Belgium is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.