Mark J. Wicklund, 57, Dickinson, died of natural causes at his home on Saturday, July 28, 2018. There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10 a.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with Pastor Tim Privratsky officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Dickinson Mausoleum.
Mark James Wicklund was born November 3, 1960 in Robbinsdale, Minn., son of James and Shirley (Johnston) Wicklund. He was raised and educated in Grand Rapids, Minn., having graduated from Grand Rapids Senior High in 1979. He went on to attend St. Paul Bible College and during this time he went on a mission trip to Africa, a country that always held a special place in his heart.
He moved to Dickinson to help his brother-in-law with construction of Evangelical Bible Church. While here he met Shelley Friez and on December 19, 1983 they were united in marriage. To this union three children were born, Melissa, Elizabeth and Michael.
Following a seven year stint in Colorado, where he received his commercial truckers license, the family returned to North Dakota in 1990. Up until the time of his death, he had worked in construction and as a truck transport driver and most recently with Northern Improvement.
He enjoyed riding motorcycle, reading, photography, hunting and shooting (was a lifetime member of the NRA), and also classic cars. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Mark is survived by his children, Melissa (Ephen II) Banks, Dickinson, Elizabeth Wicklund, Bismarck, and Michael (Natalie) Wicklund, Eureka, S.D.; seven grandchildren, Jaida, Damie, and Ephen III Banks, Gabriel, Aries, Serenity and Maliea Wicklund; his parents, James and Shirley Wicklund, Grand Rapids; siblings, Bruce (Sue) Wicklund, Grand Rapids, Marie (Marv) Bjorklund, South Africa, Greg (Darlene) Wicklund, Cloquet, Minn., and Jill (Jim) Hachey, Taconite, Minn., and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and niece, Laura Nielsen.
