Gary R. Wicklund, age 78, of Cambridge went to his heavenly home with Jesus September 24, 2024. Gary’s faith in Jesus was strong through his life. He was a member of North Isanti Baptist Church and loved his church family. Celebration of Life Service 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 1st at North Isanti Baptist Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Princeton.
Gary Roger Wicklund was born November 10, 1945 in Rush City, Minnesota to Vernet and Delores (Barthine) Wicklund. He grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1963. Gary continued his education at Bethel College. On May 4, 1985 he married Elaine Aspen at First Baptist Church in Cambridge. They lovingly added two boys to their family Ryan, December 17, 1988, and Tyler, December 7, 1989. Gary was a great father to their boys.
Gary was employed for 40 years by ECM, owner of The Scotsman Newspaper. He was a graphic design artist laying out advertisements. He enjoyed all his friends at the Scotsman. If he could convince them to bring a treat, he was happy. He was a soft spoken, kind, considerate man. His words were few but purposeful. He loved his family and friends. Each one had a special place in his heart.
He was a “car man”, not mechanically, but he loved their beauty and style. He knew every car his eight uncles had over the years and the color of the cars as well. He was truly a Chrysler/Dodge man. He loved going to car shows and taking pictures of the cars he liked. Being very particular of the picture, he would wait for everybody to move away from the car before he would take the picture.
Gary loved music, especially the old hymns and going to gospel concerts. He had a beautiful voice. He was involved in the music team at his church and when he was young he was in the Bethel Men’s Chorus and traveled Europe. He was proud of his Swedish heritage and had the dry wit of the Swedes. He loved life and made the best of every situation. He was very nostalgic and loved old movies. In his younger years he enjoyed running races and marathons, water skiing, camping at many places in the U.S., snowmobiling and downhill skiing. He loved the outdoors.
Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Elaine; sons, Ryan and Tyler; sisters, Judy (Charles) Smith and Diane (Paul) Malone; nieces and nephews, Michael (Andrea) Smith, Michelle (Rodney) Koch, Derrick (Danielle) Malone, Kara (Jacob) Merrill, and Jared (Alecia) Malone; and by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernet and Delores.
Alayne Torgeson says
I will miss you Bubba Jones and how you called me Bubba JR. My thoughts and prayers are with you Elaine and the boys.
Mark (Skip) Russell Russell says
I’m saddened to hear of Gary’s passing! A long time friend from the Bethel College days! We know that this loss is temporary and that Gary is sheltered in the arms of God!
Andrew Beiler says
Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Colleen Hendershot says
He was such a good friend and I was so fortunate to have gotten to know him! I will miss him and his great laugh! Love and sympathies to Elaine and Ryan and Tyler!
Sue Bauer Haniwalt says
I was so sad to hear of Gary’s passing. I have been friends since Junior High. We have helped plan many class reunions. We started Bethel College at the same time. Gary will be missed. Praying for the family as they begin life without Gary. We can rejoice knowing he is with his Lord and Savior and healthy. He is probably singing in the heavenly choir.
Audrey L Anderson says
Elaine, Ryan and Tyler,
I was so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I’m sending prayers and hugs to you and your family. May God continue to give you comfort and strength.
Gary will be missed by all who knew him and loved him!