Orion Wicklund, 89, passed away on December 17th, 2025 in Amery, WI. He was born on April 1st, 1936, in Ashland, WI, the fourth of eight children born to Elwood Wicklund & Mable (Sundberg) Wicklund. The family lived in Mason, WI until 1941, when they moved to Superior WI, where Orion’s father worked in the shipyard. When the shipyard closed in 1946, the family relocated to Washburn, WI where his father founded Wicklund Timber Co.

Orion began working in the woods at a young age, helping his father cut pulp by the time he was just ten. Not long after, he was driving the logging truck. He had to strap wood blocks on the peddles so he could reach them. His consistent long hours in the woods earned him the reputation of being remarkably strong.

During high school, Orion and his brother Elroy played football for Washburn High School. Although their dad wasn’t too happy about that, he allowed them to play as long as they kept up their work in the woods – often meaning early mornings and late evenings. At games, it wasn’t uncommon to hear the announcer call out, “Tackle by O. Wicklund… tackle by E. Wicklund… tackle by the Wicklund brothers.” Their dad rarely acknowledged or commented about them playing football, but the boys always noticed the boom of the pulp truck parked behind the fence, quietly showing his support. They would even at times see it during practice.

Orion enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served during the Lebanon Crisis from 1956-1958. When his service concluded, he returned to logging with his dad for about a year before moving to Madison, WI where he attended the University of Wisconsin and played football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Orion later returned to logging and eventually settled in Iron River, WI. There, he worked as a logger, did some remodeling work, served as the town’s cop, and volunteered as a first responder with the Iron River Fire Department. In 1975 he moved to Amery, WI, continuing his work in the woods. He married Susan (Sibbald) on December 29, 1975. Orion logged for a couple more years before beginning his work as a framer for his brother at Wicklund Construction, where he remained until his retirement.

Orion loved a good flea market. For a time, browsing those aisles became a weekly ritual he looked forward to. He had a fondness for gadgets of every kind and could often be found wandering the aisles of Menards in search of his next project. His garage reflected his passions, filled with more hammers than anyone could count and an impressive collection of chain saws.

In his later years, Sue’s love of animals rubbed off on him, and his loyal dog Jake was never far from his side. Orion was often seen on his bobcat, tending to his property or lending a hand to neighbors by cutting down a tree or clearing brush. In time, that generosity came full circle. As he grew older, the same neighbors and friends he had helped over the years were always there to return the favor.

Orion is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sue, of Amery; his children, Kelly (Tom Zappa) Nelson of Cumberland, WI, Lonna (Jim) Cobb of Brooklyn Center, MN, Lorin (Lesley) Wicklund of Iron River, WI, Brett (Rena) Nelson of Iron River, WI, Corey (Angie) Wicklund of Cambridge, MN, Kimberlee (Dan Ballach) Nelson of Afton, MN, Serena (Dana) Henjum of Nowthen, MN; sisters, Estelle Art and Sharon (Ron) Allen; brothers, Elroy Wicklund, Warren (Sandy) Wicklund, Allen (Jackie) Wicklund; and brother-in-law, Rollie (Geri) Sibbald.

He is also survived by his many grandchildren - Derrick (Amy) Zappa, Braunti Cobb, Israel Cobb, Jadyn (Isaiah) Eckstadt, Micah (Elizabeth) Cobb, Megan (Dylan) Smith, Jessie (Josh) Bushmaker, Derick (Maria) Wade, Kyle (Jordan) Nelson, Allie (Aaron) Sauvageau, Joshua (Jenna) Wicklund, Keely Wicklund, Sydney Wicklund, Christopher (Olivia) Mathy, Tanner (Clara) Mathy, Makena Mathy, Cole (Melissa) Henjum, Wyatt (Brittany) Henjum, Landon (Sage) Henjum, Nash (Lydia) Henjum - and 23 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Elwood & Mable Wicklund; his parents-in-law, Tom & Alice Sibbald; sisters, Marion Mattson and Gale Utegaard; sister-in-law, Kathy Wicklund; and brothers-in-law, Jim Mattson, Harry Art & Art Utegaard.

The family of Orion Wicklund wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and entire staff at Amery Hospital & Clinics. Your care, kindness, and compassion meant so much to Orion and to all of us.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. Interment and Military Honors will be at the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, WI at a later date.

Last Update: Jan 21, 2026 9:49 am CST