Marlen “Winky” F. Wichelman

Obituary

Marlen “Winky” Fred Wichelman was born on December 2, 1932, in Hamburg, Minnesota. He was the son of Fred H. and Paulina (Harms) Wichelman. Marlen was baptized as an infant on December 11, 1932, by Rev. H.J. Bauman, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 30, 1947, by Rev. L.T. Wohlfeil both at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota. He attended Emanuel Parochial School in Hamburg and later was a graduate of the Central High School in Norwood Young America with the Class of 1951. Marlen entered active military service in the United States Army from 1954 – 1956 and was stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.

On July 20, 1968, Marlen was united in marriage to June Menzel by Rev. Paul Brill at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with their daughter, Maria. Marlen and June made their home in Hamburg, Minnesota. They shared over 54 years of marriage until June passed away on September 14, 2022.

Marlen worked for Brown and Bigelow Advertising in the sales department and retired from there in 1993. He was a lifetime member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. Marlen was a member of the Edward Born American Legion Post #343 in Norwood and a former charter member of the Hamburg Lions Club.

Marlen enjoyed fishing and building model airplanes, some of which were displayed at the Planes of Fame Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He also enjoyed attending air shows and museums. Marlen cherished the time spent with his family and friends and especially loved visiting his granddaughter.

Marlen passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota, at the age of 90 years. Blessed be his memory.

Marlen is survived by his:
Son-in-law, Steve Nelson of Minnetonka, MN;
Granddaughter, Hazel Nelson of Minnetonka, MN;
Brothers, Wilmer Wichelmann and his wife, Annice, of Norwood Young America, MN, Roger Wichelman and his wife, Judy, of Waconia, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Carol Menzel of California, Marlene Menzel Brown of Grand Rapids, MN;
Nieces and Nephews, Keith Menzel and his wife, Laurie, of Grand Rapids, MN, Michelle Fields and her husband, Shane, of Coon Rapids, MN, Tim Wichelman of Chanhassen, MN, Jennifer Wichelman of Chanhassen, MN, Paul Wichelman of Oakland, CA, Mike Wichelman and Anna, of Lester Prairie, MN;
Cousin, Ronald Wichelman and his wife, Jean, of London, England;
Other relatives and many friends.

Marlen is preceded in death by his wife, June Wichelman; daughter, Maria Nelson; parents, Fred and Paulina Wichelman; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Gustav and Helen Menzel; Brother-in-law, Robert Menzel.