David Leonard Wicklund

About David

David Leonard Wicklund, 77, of White Bear Lake, MN, passed away on June 8, 2024, at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale.

Dave was born on January 24, 1947, in Marshfield, WI, to parents Arnold and Ruth Wicklund where he joined two sisters, Marillyn and Bonnie, who were 7 and 14 years older than him. Dave married his high school sweetheart, Judy Hagstrom, on September 7, 1968. After 8 years of marriage, Britta Joy joined their family followed by Scott David in 1980.

After graduating from South Shore High School in 1965, Dave attended Northland College in Ashland, WI, and then Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. Dave continued his education at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul where he received his Master of Divinity degree in 1973. Following graduation, Dave’s ministry career began at First Baptist Church, Cambridge, MN, where he served as youth pastor, followed by senior pastorates at First Baptist Church in Cook, MN, and North St. Paul Church. Dave’s sales career included Whisper Glide Swing Company, Saturn of St. Paul, and Northland Associates. When not in full-time church ministry, Dave enjoyed being involved in music at North Heights Church where he also was the choir chaplain. Dave led many small groups where life-long friendships were made. He also led adult ministries at Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo. In his retirement he enjoyed caring for and playing with his grandchildren, Elijah, Isaac, Selah, Jude, and Aubben.

Dave loved music, books, games, and sports. At age 40 he lost his peripheral vision due to diabetic retinopathy. Having always been a good athlete, this loss took away his hobbies of tennis, golf, racquetball, and skiing. Even reading became more difficult. However, he never complained and accepted the challenges he faced every day because of it. Traveling with the family became his hobby, taking them to 48 of the 50 states (some states just driving through!). Dave and Judy finished the last two states with a trip to Hawaii, and an Alaskan cruise for their 50th Anniversary. They especially enjoyed visiting National Parks, and some international travel which included Italy, France, Brazil, and Israel where he walked where Jesus walked and saw the Bible he loved come alive.

Dave will be remembered for his unconditional love of people, his desire for people to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, his love of music and worship, leading small groups, and welcoming and connecting with people wherever he was by using his quick wit and sense of humor.

Dave is survived by his wife Judith; daughter Britta (Brad) Levenhagen; son Scott (Kara) Wicklund; grandchildren Elijah, Isaac, and Selah Wicklund, Jude and Aubben Levenhagen, Kristen (David) Jagt; sister Marillyn Knuteson; sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Ruth Wicklund and sister Bonduell Westlund.

The celebration of Dave’s life will be on July 21, at Rockpoint Church, 5825 Kelvin Avenue N, Lake Elmo. Visitation 3pm, Service 4pm, Meal 5pm. Interment will be in the Wicklund family plot in Mason, WI, on September 7, 2024, their 56th Wedding Anniversary.

In lieu of flowers: Memorials to The Brydges Centre in Africa, Healing Haiti, or a non-profit of your choice.

memorial service

Memorial Service

July 21, 2024

Rockpoint Church 5825 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, USA

Visitation 3pm, Service 4pm, Meal 5pm. Interment will be in the Wicklund family plot in Mason, WI, on

September 7, 2024, their 56th Wedding Anniversary.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services