Gerald Delbert Wickman, 87, Burlington, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017 in a Minot hospital from complications following a fall at his home and from general old age.

Gerald was born May 30, 1930 at his parents' home in Burt Township, Ward County, North Dakota. Gerald (aka, Jerry and Jim) was the son of Harvey and Bessie Wickman and had 13 brothers and sisters. Gerald was the last surviving member of the Wickman children.

Gerald attended Burt Township School through 8th Grade. He left school in 1942 when his father died to help with the family farm as there were still 7 children at home.

Gerald enlisted in the Army for 1-year from 1949 to 1950 and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and White Sands, New Mexico getting trained in anti-aircraft weaponry. He was released from the service 1 year later, but was later recalled in July 1950 and served until October 1951. After a brief 3-week refresher course, Gerald's service was spent in Korea on the front lines where he was attached to a field artillery battalion as a forward observer. Gerald was in the Army Reserves for 8 years and was honorably discharged in 1957.

Gerald continued to farm and ranch and during one of his parts shopping trips to the local Sears, he met Alice Hackett, who worked in the plumbing department in 1955. After a short, whirlwind courtship, they were married 3 months later on March 18, 1956.

Gerald farmed and ranched his entire life near Burlington, expanding his acreage to include land near Upham and Towner in the early 1970s. He seemed most happy working on the ranch with the cows and regularly held rounds ups on horseback with friends, neighbors and family to work the cattle or move them to new pastures. He was an excellent horseman and aside from a near paralyzing accident on a horse in the 1970s, he walked away healthy from the many hours in the saddle. Gerald was also experienced with veterinary medicine after apprenticing under Bud Neshem.

Gerald was known for his sense of humor and his lifelong interests, which included reading Louis L'Amour western novels, playing any type of card game, assembling jigsaw puzzles and of course, gambling. His wife Alice died April 19, 2013.

His loving family includes , 5 children, Eric of Burlington, ND, Todd (Rhonda) of Towner, ND, Chris (Paula) of Minot, ND, Theresa Knutson of Sioux City, IA, Ben of Upham, ND; 7 grandchildren-(Jacob, Jessica (Mark), Jedidiah, Emma, Brandie (Nathan), Samantha and Cole); 6 great-grandchildren-(Canton, Kenlee, Crady, Charlotte, Henry and Catherine); siblings in law Marvin, Inez, Roger and Elaine Hackett, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Alice along with all of his siblings-May, Hazel, Blanche, Myrtle, Harvey, Woodrow, Helen, Richard, Grace, Betty, Pearle, Frank and Fern.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rolling Green Cemetery, rural Des Lacs, ND.
Visitation: Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to Minot VFW Post #753 at 1100 31st St SE, Minot, ND 58701.