Gene Wicklund
January 12, 1944 ~ October 12, 2016
Gene Leon Wicklund (WØZOK), 72, Horace, passed away surrounded by family early Wednesday morning October 12, 2016, at his home. Gene had been battling cancer since January 2014.
Gene was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to Cecil Leland and Amelia (Amundson) Wicklund on January 12, 1944. He moved with his family to Bremerton, Washington, Redfield, South Dakota, Moorhead, Minnesota, and Riverdale, North Dakota where he graduated from high school. Gene participated in sports, and was the class and Luther League presidents. Gene loved electronics and was an enthusiastic member of the licensed amateur community. Following graduation, he attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota, where he studied electronics. Gene was employed at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Welu Dental Laboratories, Radio and TV Equipment, Marquee Dental Laboratories and owned and operated Wicklund Communications, Inc.
Gene married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Ditch. They had two beautiful children, James (Rachel) of Ely, Minnesota and Lisa (Travis) of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
On June 1, 1985, Gene married Diane Boulden (KBØDTW). Gene was very proud of his all-ham family. Gene and Diane had two sons, Ross (KDØGWC) and John (KDØGWB). Gene was an active scout leader, served his Lord in many capacities at First Baptist Church in Fargo, North Dakota, long-time Bison Teammaker and charter member of the Red River Zoo. Gene cherished time spent with his brothers, Richard (Betty), Pasadena, California and David (Donna), Rollag, Minnesota, and his nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Mark John) Haugo, Susan (Jeff) Zeltinger, Gregg (Derel), Kathy (James) Eggmann and great-nieces and nephews, Michael, Chad, Katie, Austin, Lyndie, and Nicholas.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Marc.
A prayer service will be held at First Baptist Church (1501 17th Avenue South) Fargo at 7:30 pm, Thursday, October 13, 2016.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 14, 2016, at 11:00 am at Olivet Lutheran Church (1330 South University Drive) Fargo, with lunch served. Interment will be in the Christine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to First Baptist Church, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Acappella Xpress Women’s Show Chorus, or Boy Scouts Troup 274 of Horace, North Dakota.
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Diane, Ross, John and family
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
God Bless
Jim and Lorie Smith family
From: Jim Hanson ( K0JIM )
I am so sad to hear that my Ham Radio friend Gene has past. Our prayers are with his family for there great lose. Gene and I visited many times about Christine where I grew up also. I knew a lot of his friends and relatives in Christine. Gene and I had many QSO’s / contacts on Ham Radio over the years. His callsing W0ZOK will be missed in my logbook.
We love you Geno. you will be dearly missed! Love from your “daughter”, Rachel
Sending love to the Wicklunds all the way from the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Sincerely,
Staci Lola Drouillard
Long time friend of Gene’s son Jim
So sorry to hear/see this sad news. Gene was a wonderful man and a good friend! My condolences to Diane and children! I have many good memories and remembered laughs with Gene.
So very sorry Diane. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I will always have great memories of my visit to your home.
I’m so sorry to hear about Gene. He was a very nice man.
Sorry to see that Gene went to meet the Lord. No more suffering. God Bless Wd0bhy and Wd0bhz Paul and Barb Hoerner Aberdeen SD
Diane and Boys,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. We will cherish our time and friendship with Gene and fondly remember times spent with the Wicklunds at Star Lake; summer holidays, trap shooting, the stories, the laughter and most of all the memories Gene provided us with. He was a great guy and he leaves us with an emptiness in our hearts.
Much Love,
James, Kari and Girls
A great man! One of the nicest people I have had the privilege to know. RIP Gene
To the Wicklund family. I am so sorry for your loss of Gene. I remember many fun times around Gene and the family from years ago and remember Gene as a fun, funny man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Diane & entire family: so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. We pray that you can remember the good times and have peace that he is in a better place, free of his pain & suffering. Sincerely, Don Johnson
Sorry to see a friend pass. I was fortunate to see him at Hamfest in Fargo a couple a weeks back. My prayers for the family.
Prayers and blessings of comfort to Diane, Ross and John. Very sad to learn of Gene’s passing. He had such a kind and gracious soul. He was always willing to help others.
My thoughts and prayers are with Diane, Ross, John, and the rest of Gene’s family. Gene was an extraordinary man. He will be deeply missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.
David, Sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I met Gene while at the Bismark hamfest in Jan 2015. Jim Smith of Burghardts Amateur radio was with me and Jim and him chatted on the radio all the way back from the hamfest to Hoarce. That was the only time I met Gene in person yet I liked him right away. I spoke with him on the air several times after that. I’ll miss hearing on the air. 73 Gene.
The Wicklund Family,
May your family find continued strength and peace in these difficult days.
Your WFHS Packer Family
Diane, John, and Ross…
I was sad to learn that WØZOK became a Silent Key…His hospitality and your hospitality during our NAQP operation at your QTH in July, 2011 will always be a highlight in my amateur radio life…Best wishes to a wonderful family!!!
Dear family, We are saddened to learn of cousin Gene’s passing. So glad to have met him and members of his dear family at the Roen reunion. What a full life he had as evidenced by his obituary. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you adjust to life on earth without him.
Hugs to all,
Rachel (Roen) and Roger Morgan
Diane and family,
I am so glad I had the privilege of meeting Gene last month. In my two meetings with Gene you could tell he was a great and special man. The way he talked about you and your boys it was clear he adored you guys. So sorry for your loss.
Sorry about our loss of Gene.
Gene and I were classmates while living at Riverdale ND during construction of the Garrison Dam. Gene was well liked and was a stand out in sports like basketball and football. While in the 8th Grade, our team won the McLean County Championship Basketball Game.
Gene left us early, but we will always be together.
Just wanted to let you know Diane that me, Laurie and the girls have been praying for you guys! We think of you often and I also think of all the great memories with Gene! Sad to not see him but joyful for his eternal life and peace! Love you guys and please give the boys big hugs from all of us!
Nate, Laurie, Saylor, Lakelyn and Tenley Joslin