Lynn C. Sickler

Lynn Sickler, of Natrona Heights, passed away peacefully in her home on June 5, 2025. “I had a really great life,” she mused in her final months. That quote is being nominated for understatement of the year. 

Lynn was born on April 23, 1952, in Williamsport, PA, the first child of the late Stewart “Bucky” Probst I and Roberta “Bobby” Probst. She spent her childhood wrangling a gaggle of five siblings, including four who survive her: Kay (Clark) Lohman, Dureen Probst, Stewart (Donna) Probst II, and Judy (Larry) DeLong. Her youngest brother, Scott Probst, broke The Sibling Code and preceded Lynn to the Great Beyond. (Now that they’re reunited, she is certainly giving him a piece of her mind about that.)

 From early on, Lynn recognized the value of education and reading. She was a dedicated student, which led her to be the first in her family to graduate from college, with a BA in Mathematics from Lycoming College in 1974. A few months later, she married the love of her life, Bert Sickler. For the next 50+ years, they were an unstoppable team.

 Lynn loved the logic of mathematics, which fueled a long career as a bookkeeper and IT manager, as well as hobbies such as quilting and puzzles. She believed whole-heartedly that every child deserved quality education, which led her to serve for eight years on the Shikellamy School Board, standing up for what was best for all children in the district.

 But it wasn’t all work and no play. Lynn was born with Black & Gold in her veins. She loved football and was an unwavering Steelers fan. In fact, the day after she gave birth to her daughter, she made sure she and the newborn watched the baby’s first Steelers game together. (They beat the Oilers.) In certain circles in Pittsburgh, Lynn is still known as “The Commish” for her knowledge of football and fantasy football dominance.

 Perhaps her most defining trait was her optimism. Lynn’s mantra was, “If that’s my biggest problem in life, I’m a lucky woman.” Even in the darkest times, she looked for hope, joy, and gratitude for all that she had. 

Lynn is survived by her beloved husband, Bert; her daughter, Jessica Sickler; and her common-law-son-in-law, Matt Sikora.

 A visitation with the family will be held on June 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home in Natrona Heights, PA. Steelers gear is not required, but if you choose to wear a little gold with your black, Lynn would approve.

 A memorial service will be held at the Priestley Chapel in Northumberland, PA, on June 21 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (www.bbbspgh.org/).