Delbert Wicklund

Delbert Wicklund obit – Delbert Earling Wicklund, 84 of Frederic died October 31, 2008 at United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wisconsin, with his last remaining brother, Elmer holding his hand. Delbert was born near Alpha, Wisconsin on August 30, 1924 to Albert and Christina (Aronson) Wicklund. Delbert grew up on the farm in Alpha during the Great Depression with Wistroms and Chells as childhood friends that became lifelong friends. He followed his older brother’s example and joined the Army during WW II. At the end of the war, Delbert went to Machinist and Gun Smithing School in Denver, Colorado. He returned to Grantsburg and began work at McNally Brothers Industries, where he worked until retirement. On June8, 1952, Delbert married Vera Sjoberg and adopted her two sons, Donald and Glen, making their home in the Village of Trade Lake. Two daughters, Susan and Julie were born to the union of Delbert and Vera. Delbert’s passion was in hunting, gun smithing, collecting firearms and in his Friday night gathering of friends for friendly target competition. He was a life member of the Grantsburg Rod and Gun Club and shot trap for many decades. Delbert often had his kids in tow when he hunted, trapped or fished. The entire community enjoyed cooking maple syrup with Delbert every spring in his woods in Trade Lake. He was a committed family man, a respected member of the community and an honorable man in all respects. Delbert was preceded in death by his wife Vera, brothers Harold, Roy, Melvin and Arne, sisters Effie and (baby) Effie, son Glen, granddaughter Sandy and son-in-law Alan Simonsen. Delbert is survived by his son Donald (Mary) Wicklund, daughters Susan Wicklund and Julie (Jeff) Chell, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, sisters Helen Johnson, Elsie Berg and Edna Sorenson, brother Elmer Wicklund, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life services will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 2:00 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun, Wisconsin; with Pastor Carl Heidel officiating. Music will be provided by vocalist Karl Wicklund, Marci Wicklund and Gene Gronlund and pianist, Fran McBroom. A private family burial at the Swedish Mission Church Cemetery will occur at a later date. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin.