Doug Wickstrom

DOUGLAS HARRY WICKSTROM Douglas Harry Wickstrom, 81, of International Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully February 10th, 2024, at Rainy Lake Medical Center after a battle with dementia, with his loving children, Wendy and Jeff, by his side. Douglas was born in Fort Frances, Ont. on May 18th, 1942, to Allan and Joy (Lecuyer) Wickstrom. He grew up in Fort Frances and attended school there through the 9th grade. He quit school after 9th grade to go to work to help provide for the family. Douglas started working hauling pulpwood across the ice roads and various other jobs. On September 2, 1962, Douglas married the former Bonnie Underdahl. He began working at Insulite in 1964 as a millwright, working there until its closure in 1984. During this time, he also served as Fire Chief of South International Falls. After closure of the Insulite, Douglas set out to fulfill his dream of owning an auto salvage yard. Doug, along with his son, Jeff, created J & D Auto Salvage in 1985. Along with owning the salvage yard, they also ran a wrecker and towing business, which kept them very busy. This also provided Doug the chance to build a stock car and start a race team, which continued to race on and off until 2020. The salvage yard was sold in 2002, but that did not slow Doug down at all. He then helped his son work on his rental homes and properties, mowed lawns, snow plowed for the rentals and local businesses. He also did various work with his beloved backhoe. In his spare time, Doug enjoyed fishing up at Lake Despair. He also enjoyed hunting, deer season being his favorite. Doug loved tinkering in his garage, teaching his grandson TJ, the ins and outs a mechanic needs to know. He was always on the hunt for treasures at auctions or garage sales. He and his daughter Wendy spent many hours riding around looking for treasures. Before every ride he would remind Wendy that she needed to stop and get him a Coke and a treat of some sort. If there was something on the side of the road, he was sure to stop and check it out. He also enjoyed having morning coffee at various local restaurants. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Joy (Lecuyer) Wickstrom, brother Wayne Wickstrom, and sister Marion Tuis. He is survived by his children Wendy Wickstrom Ginter and Jeff Wickstrom (Amanda Hertzel), both of International Falls; grandchildren, Tara (Adam) Harris, Noah Ginter, Brooke (Nick) Maki, Rebecca Armit, TJ (Regan) Wickstrom; former wife Bonnie (Underdahl) Wickstrom and brother Roger (Christine) Wickstrom, of Emo, Ontario. He is also survived by great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In true Douglas fashion, always lending a hand and helping others, he chose to bequeath his body to the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota. By doing this, he will continue to help others by supporting medical education and research. Due to bequeathing his body, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.