The Richmond News, April 12, 2024

Dennis Eugene Wickstrom, 84, of Excelsior Springs, formerly of the Hardin area, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Valley Manor Rehabilitation Center in Excelsior Springs.

Dennis was born Oct. 15, 1939, in Hardin, the son of Glenn Eudell and Geneva (Bowman) Wickstrom.

He was united in marriage to Clara Ann De Walt of Richmond on June Dwight Pettus

29, 1958. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include his son, John Wickstrom of Excelsior Springs; and two grandchildren, Amanda Claire Wickstrom and Charlie Wickstrom of Laurel, Md.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Dennis was reared and educated in the Stet area and graduated in 1957 from Stet High School. After high school, he worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation as a surveyor.

Dennis proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He later returned to the area and spent a brief period working for Ford Motor Co. before working for John Deere in Richmond for 28 years. He would finish his working career as a rural mail carrier out of Hardin for 25 years, retiring in 2013. Dennis also worked for Sheriff Tom Harmon in Ray County as a dispatcher and deputy.

He was of the Baptist faith and a caring, loving man. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do – a jack of all trades and an honest man of his word.

Dennis and Clara enjoyed almost 66 years of marriage. Together, they loved spending time at their farm.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Excelsior Springs Baptist Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., followed by services at 2. Interment will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Dennis with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.