Darrel Elmer Wickstrom, 84, of Barnum, MN, passed away peacefully Friday, November 7, 2025 in St. Luke's hospital in Duluth, surrounded by his loving family.

Darrel was born in Pine City on May 12, 1941 to Elmer & Grace (Ward) Wickstrom. He grew up in Cloquet and attended Cloquet Schools.

Darrel married Virginia Rae Olesiak on September 29, 1962 in the First Congregational Church in Cloquet. They lived their married life in Barnum.

Darrel worked at Bystrom grocery for 85 cents an hour at the time he and Virginia met, then at Conwed Corporation for 16 ½ years and for various local contractors after that. Together he and Virginia raised their children on their Lone-Oak Family Farm where they milked Holstein Dairy cows, raised youngstock and had horses. They owned and operated Wickstrom Livestock, buying/selling/hauling cattle, horses & all classes of livestock. This business blessed them with countless hours and miles on the road, in several sale barns and in the welcoming homes of customers where they often did business over coffee and a treat. Many lifelong and treasured friendships were created along the way. He retired from farming in 1993 and the livestock business in 2011.

Darrel especially loved spending time with his grand & great grandchildren. He lit up the room when they would visit. Grandpa came up with a special nickname for each one. He loved fishing, hunting, feeding the birds, tending to his small garden, cutting wood, cooking and watching his children and grandchildren compete in all sports.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, Joan Coyer, Jean Ekholm, Beverly Niesen, Dale Wickstrom and Jane Hugdahl.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia; children, Jamie (Kristi) Wickstrom, Jerrie (Nancy) Wickstrom, Julie (Adam) Klejeski, Jake (Bridie) Wickstrom, 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, a great granddaughter on the way, along with others that called him dad, grandpa, uncle or brother-in-law. 

Darrel’s legacy of support, strength, sacrifice and love will live on for generations.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Barnum Community United Methodist Church, 3762 Front St, Barnum, MN. Visitation from 10am-11am, funeral at 11am with a full meal to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Darrel’s name may be made to local organizations to benefit children.