Obituary of Gene Arthur Wichelmann

Gene was born in Stillwater, MN to Pearl (Nelson) and Gerhardt Wichelmann. He attended Stillwater schools through graduation and then joined the US Air Force in June of 1965. He served through 1969.

Gene met Vicki Nickelson in the spring of 1970. The two quickly fell in love and married that May. In fact, they were engaged just two weeks after meeting and married two months later. They were able to celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year. Gene and Vicki had two daughters.

Throughout his life, Gene enjoyed attending car races, hunting, fishing, building, traveling, spending time with his family and friends, attending VFW functions, and working on projects. He was a talented craftsman and always willing to help others out. Gene had built the family's home in Columbus, MN, where they were happy for many years. In the past several years, Gene and Vicki split their time between their homes in Hinckley, MN and Wellton, AZ.

Gene passed away July 1, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. His family is grateful that he was able to be home with them during his last days so that they were all able to pass their love and prayers on to him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife Vicki; daughters Joy (Rodney) Kowarsch and Jody (Joe Voight) Wichelmann; grandchildren Mariah (Chris) Tuller, Shania (Alex Thurnbeck) Nienow, Aaron Wichelmann Larson, Riley Stoen, and Ashley Rehbein; great grandchildren Dane, Grayson, and Ava Tuller; his siblings and their families; and many other close family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2020 at VFW Post 4210, Forest Lake, MN, at 10 am. A Family Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:30 pm. The family will then welcome guests back to the VFW for a luncheon and sharing of memories.