Thomas Wichner

Thomas A. Wichner, 80, formerly of Lake Kabetogama, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Plymouth, Minnesota, with his son by his side.

Tom was born to parents, William and Elsie (Salmi) Wichner May 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, City of Long Beach. He was a lifelong resident of Lake Kabetogama until 2019 and spent his later years in International Falls and Plymouth, MN due to declining health.

He lived his life rooted at Lake Kabetogama, near his grandfather's Finnish homestead, surrounded by the woods, water, and wildlife he loved. He attended the Ray and Orr Schools, graduating in 1965 with amazing friends and excelling in track and football, and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Manley, later in Vietnam as a firefighter at the Da Nang Air Base.

Tom and Barbara Sophie Strandberg were united into marriage on December 12th, 1970.

An avid outdoorsman, when his health allowed, he fished, hunted, gardened, walked the woods, fed the birds and deer, collected antiques, read his Bible, and soaked in the beauty of Kab and Namakan as well as Panama City, Florida beaches. He had the gift of gab, and a quick hello could easily turn into a long, laughter-filled conversation.

Tom and his wife, Barb of 55 years were inseparable, and he cherished teaching his grandchildren hunting, fishing, gardening, and building "grand projects" in the shop-some worked, some didn't, all came with laughs and stories. His brothers were his best friends, sharing teasing, loyalty, and adventures their whole lives.

He passed on a winter morning at Medicine Lake, the frozen lake glistening under the sunlight, ice fishermen scattered, and wildlife stirring nearby-a fitting scene for a life spent outdoors. He had a bark worse than his bite, and a big heart, ready laugh, and love for life. The family thanks the dedicated staff at Good Samaritan and Mission Nursing Home who cared for him, who looked past Alzheimer's disease and showed him patience, dignity, and love-with his long battle, you reflected the heart of Christ.

Tom was loved and will be missed and lived life trusting in the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Wichner; mother, Elsie M. Salmi Wichner; brother, Gerald Wichner; grandparents, Isaac and Caroline "Hilma" Salmi.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Barbara S. Wichner; daughter, Lori ( Tony) Udovich; son, Tim (Gena) Wichner; granddaughters, Natalie (Mat), Andrea (Aaron), Olivia; grandsons, Tevin (Megan), Ethan, Mason; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Ari, Elliana; brothers, Kenneth (Judy) Wichner, Donald (Cheryl) Wichner; sisters-in-law, Susan ( Maynard) Nickelson, Debbie Dunn; and many special nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends.

A family graveside gathering will be held at the Kabetogama Cemetery

for his family to share memories this summer.

(Finnish Blessing) "Lepää rauhassa, kunnes jälleen tapaamme." "Rest in peace, until we meet again."

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see."

- Hebrews 11:1