Obituary for Richard John Wickstrom
Richard John Wickstrom passed away on October 29th at his home in Virginia Beach. He was born March 28, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to Raymond A. Wickstrom and Ethel May Dahl and attended the University of Nebraska and University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Along with his parents, he was more recently predeceased by his best friend Michael Petrillo. Family left to grieve are his wife, Alice A. Alvord and children, Ryan C. Wickstrom (Sandy), Rory C. Wickstrom (Paige), Kelly A. Alvord (Larry McKenzie) and CDR Samuel L. J. Alvord, USCGR (Diana), as well as his brother, Mark Wickstrom. Cherishing memories of their Grandpa are Sophia DiGiovanni, Smith Wickstrom, Davis Wickstrom, Theresa McKenzie, Caleb Alvord and Esme Alvord. To say he wholeheartedly loved all of his dogs is an understatement.
Known for his honesty, patriotism, and steadfast loyalty, he never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with everyone. Making people laugh was a favorite pastime. Over the more than five decades of his career with McDonald’s Corporation and its franchisees, his coworkers had their burdens lifted by his humor. Leaving an impression on everyone he met, Rick gave grounded advice and comfort to those who needed it. He had a heart of gold and strong shoulders for his family, friends and neighbors. He was real.
Gifted with singing and painting talents, which both gave him great joy, his greatest passion was golf. In his retirement, he enjoyed writing haiku poetry as well as creating hand-crafted gifts for friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. In addition, the family invites participation in a memorial service that will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Please visit his webpage at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and to leave a note of condolence to the family.
To honor Rick, he would encourage you to thank a veteran, to always let your family and friends know how much you love them, and to consider a donation to the Virginia Beach SPCA.
Along with his parents, he was more recently predeceased by his best friend Michael Petrillo. Family left to grieve are his wife, Alice A. Alvord and children, Ryan C. Wickstrom (Sandy), Rory C. Wickstrom (Paige), Kelly A. Alvord (Larry McKenzie) and CDR Samuel L. J. Alvord, USCGR (Diana), as well as his brother, Mark Wickstrom. Cherishing memories of their Grandpa are Sophia DiGiovanni, Smith Wickstrom, Davis Wickstrom, Theresa McKenzie, Caleb Alvord and Esme Alvord. To say he wholeheartedly loved all of his dogs is an understatement.
Known for his honesty, patriotism, and steadfast loyalty, he never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with everyone. Making people laugh was a favorite pastime. Over the more than five decades of his career with McDonald’s Corporation and its franchisees, his coworkers had their burdens lifted by his humor. Leaving an impression on everyone he met, Rick gave grounded advice and comfort to those who needed it. He had a heart of gold and strong shoulders for his family, friends and neighbors. He was real.
Gifted with singing and painting talents, which both gave him great joy, his greatest passion was golf. In his retirement, he enjoyed writing haiku poetry as well as creating hand-crafted gifts for friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. In addition, the family invites participation in a memorial service that will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Please visit his webpage at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and to leave a note of condolence to the family.
To honor Rick, he would encourage you to thank a veteran, to always let your family and friends know how much you love them, and to consider a donation to the Virginia Beach SPCA.