Man dies in Gillett house fire

Private funeral services were planned for a Gillett man whose body was found after a fire in his home March 23.

Everett Crocker, 57, was alone in the home at 132 S. Birch St. when the fire occurred. Crews were called at about 7:15 p.m. after a report of heavy smoke and flames coming from the home, according to a news release from Gillett Police Chief Shane Breitenbach.

“Through the quick and overwhelming response, the fire was contained to the single residence and did not spread to other nearby residential structures,” Breitenbach said.

Arriving within minutes of the call were Gillett police, Oconto County sheriff’s deputies, Gillett Area Ambulance, and fire departments from Gillett, Town of Gillett, Town of Underhill, and Oconto Falls, he said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, Breitenbach said.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring was assisting the family. The obituary noted that Crocker was “a very private man” and the family would be honoring him with a private service.