- Date Of Birth: September 8, 1927
- Date Of Death: October 2, 2015
- State: Nebraska
Francis Wendell “Bud” Wickman, the son of Tressie Sarah (Francis) and Bernard Wichmann, was born September 8, 1927 at Guide Rock, Nebraska. He departed this life on Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 88 years and 24 days.
A lifelong resident of the Guide Rock community, Bud received his formal education attending the Guide Rock schools and graduated with the class of 1945. With the country in the midst of World War II, Bud enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He was discharged from the Navy at war’s end and returned to the Guide Rock area where he worked on a harvest crew and later as a lineman with the rural electric company. He was also employed for a period of time with Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Bud was called back to duty by his country during the Korean Conflict. He served in the United States Army 7th Cavalry from January 16, 1951 until December 24, 1952. He received the Purple Heart and three bronze combat stars and a number of other commendations for his service.
On June 24, 1953 he was united in marriage with Helen Mae Brezina at Guide Rock. This union was blessed with three children, Mike, Lisa and Laura. They made their home on the farm southwest of Guide Rock where he farmed and raised cattle. Bud was happiest when he was working the land and with his cattle on the farm. His leisure time was filled by working in his garden, raising roses, refinishing furniture and planting his orchard.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Helen on August 26, 2011, a sister Kathleen Wickman White, nephew John White and a niece Sue Payne.
Left to treasure his memory are his children: Laura Ann Wickman of Guide Rock; Lisa Delka and husband Leo of Doniphan, Nebraska, and Mike Wickman and wife Kathy of Lees Summit, Missouri; 4 grandchildren Jerad and Chad Wickman, and Thomas and Trevor Delka; a great grandchild, Raelynn Jo Wickman, other relatives and friends.
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970
