Donald Elmer Wickstrom passed away on Tuesday October 31, 2017. Born on the family farm in Hilmar to Elmer and Esther Wickstrom, Don grew up with his younger siblings Marvin, Doris, and Jerry. He helped his father with the farm work, his mechanical skills showing up in his early life. He graduated from Hilmar High School in 1943.
Don was drafted into the Navy in 1945 attending the Basic Engineering School at Great Lakes, Illinois, and serving on the USS Mississippi and USS Wyoming out of Norfork, Virginia. He was honorably discharged in 1947.
He returned to Hilmar and began working for Art Olson in the garage and gas station at Third and Lander in Hilmar. That is where he met his future wife, Clarice Lundell and they were married on July 12, 1952. Don soon took over the garage and ran it with his brother and partner Jerry for 62 years.
Don was pleased to have taken an active part in the Hilmar community to which his family was deeply rooted through his grandparents, the O. A. Wickstroms and P. A. Johnsons, who were among the first Swedish families in the Hilmar Colony in 1903. He was a life-long member of the Hilmar Covenant Church. Don was involved with many other activities in Hilmar. He loved to drive, taking his family on weekend trips.
Don died shortly after being diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. He is survived by: children Brian Wickstrom, Bruce (Janet) Wickstrom, Karen (David) McShea, and Kim (Tim) Painton; brothers Marvin (Fern) and Jerry (Sandy); and, grandchildren Aleksander Wickstrom, Tyler and McKenna Painton, Timothy McShea, and Brent Wickstrom; and, many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his wife Clarice, sister Doris, young brother Stanton, and parents Elmer and Esther.
A Public Viewing will be held Thursday November 9, 2017 from 4 to 6 pm at Allen Mortuary. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 am Friday November 10, 2017 at North Hilmar Cemetery with a Memorial Service following at 12 noon at Hilmar Covenant Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be given to the charity of your choice. Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.
