Emery Wicklander, 56 died Saturday, December 16, 2006 in Thief River Falls, MN.

Emery Donovan Wicklander was born on May 30, 1950 in Roseau, MN the son of Walter and Maxine (Carpenter) Wicklander. He was baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church in Roseau and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Emery attended Northrop Elementary School and graduated in 1968 from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. He took a correspondence course in 1970 for Artillery Survey, and attended drafting school in Duluth, MN one year for Highway Surveying. In 1971-1972 Emery took a carpentry class at the AVTI in Thief River Falls. He served his country during the Vietnam War, from September 2, 1969 and received an Honorable Discharge on April 7, 1971. Emery received the Bronze Star Medal. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1987-1989 and the Air Force National Guard from 1989 to 1995.

Emery was a dedicated worker for the United States Postal Service for 35 years retiring in 2003. He also worked for the Minnesota DNR for a short time. In 2005 Emery went to school for fire, AVT, and chainsaw for the DNR.

Emery coached youth hockey in Thief River Falls. He also enjoyed hunting deer and bear, golfing, watching hockey especially the Minnesota Gophers, was an avid musky fisherman, and enjoyed the outdoors.

He was a member of the Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church in Strathcona and served on the Parish Council at the Four Crosses Lutheran Parish, (Middle River, Strathcona, rural Stephen and Strandquist) from 2000 to the present. He was a member of the Middle River AA, the National Rifle Association, and the Fourtown-Grygla Sportsmans Club from 1990 to the present. He was also a member of the American Legion in Thief River Falls for 36 years.

Survivors include very special friend, Annette Swanson; daughter, Marie (Chris) Lawrence; grandson, Cooper Lawrence; parents, Walter and Maxene Wicklander all of Thief River Falls, MN; brother, Calvin Wicklander of Hastings, MN and his daughter, Alexis; sister, Lezlie Grubich of Bemidji, MN and her daughter, Nicole and son, Aaron; and is also survived by many relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Olive Carpenter and Eric and Anna Wicklander; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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