Ervin Wicklander

Ervin E. Wicklander lived a life defined by extraordinary courage, deep devotion to his family, and unwavering service to his country.

Ervin was born on July 14, 1933, in a log house near Roseau, Minnesota, to Melvin and Gladys (Hipsher) Wicklander. He was raised on the family farm alongside his two brothers, where he developed the strong work ethic and resilience that would guide him throughout his life.

At the age of 18, Ervin enlisted in the United States Army with several friends in 1951. He served in the Infantry with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, proudly known as the "Rakkasans," and was deployed to Korea in early 1952. While serving on the front lines, Ervin was critically wounded in combat. Through remarkable determination and strength, he survived his injuries, recovered, and was medically discharged before returning home to Roseau.

Following his military service, Ervin began a long and successful career as an electrician, a profession he faithfully served for 45 years. He married Dorothy Olson, and together they welcomed two sons, Rockie and Rickey.

A lifelong hockey enthusiast, Ervin enjoyed giving back to his community by serving as an assistant coach for the Roseau VFW Bantam hockey program.

In 1967, Ervin and his family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he worked as an electrician for Reliance Electric at Columbia Hospital for 35 years.

In 1993, Ervin fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a farm in Richfield, Wisconsin. There, he discovered a passion for raising and showing American Saddlebred horses. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning the World Nationals with his beloved horse, Zeus.

Ervin remained deeply connected to his fellow veterans throughout his life. He returned to Korea on two occasions to commemorate the anniversaries of the Korean War and faithfully attended the annual reunions of his fellow Rakkasans. In 2013, he and his son, Rockie, shared the unforgettable experience of participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where Ervin was recognized for his military service and sacrifice.

Ervin passed away on December 22, 2025, at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while receiving care on the 9th Floor Long-Term Care Unit. His family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff whose compassion, kindness, and exceptional care meant so much to Ervin and to those who loved him. Their dedication to caring for our nation's veterans will never be forgotten.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Gladys Wicklander; his brothers, Melvin Wicklander Jr. and Dean Wicklander; his beloved wife, Dorothy; and his son, Rickey.

He is lovingly survived by his son, Rockie Wicklander, and daughter-in-law, Mary Wicklander; his grandson, Jeremiah Flynn; his granddaughter, Nichol Hopper, and her husband, Zene; his great-grandson, Bryson Hopper; his great-granddaughter, Bailey Hopper; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and fellow veterans who will cherish his memory.

  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Hope Cemetery in Roseau. 

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