Carl Einar Wicklund, 76, lifelong resident of Leicester died on Monday December 2, 2024 at UMass Memorial Medical Center after a long struggle with complications due to kidney failure.
He leaves his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 55 years, Lois Dorr-Wicklund, and their three children: Jared Wicklund, his wife Alicia, and their daughter Emelia; Jesslyn Alekseyev and her husband Yefim; and Jonah Wicklund. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Carl was born in Worcester, the only child of the late Carl Einar Wicklund Sr and Ellen (Boudreau) Wicklund. He was close to his sisters-in-law, Nancy, Barbara, and Mary, and he considered his brothers-in-law Mike, Bruce, and Steve to be more like brothers.
Carl was the facilities manager of the Leicester School Department for 23 years, retiring in 2013. He graduated from Leicester High School (Class of 1966), was on the National Dean’s List in college, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to the school department, Carl worked for a number of engineering firms in Worcester County including George J Meyer Manufacturing and Thermoplastics Co, Inc. He was an active volunteer for the Leicester Recycling Center from its inception, and supported The Hair Force in various capacities over the 30+ years it was owned and operated by Lois. He was also an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving as Sexton, Property Committee member, Senior Warden, and Vestry member at various points. He also helped run the church annual strawberry festival for many years. Carl and Lois loved traveling to Aruba and spending time on the Cape. His favorite trips included his four cross country journeys with his family. Carl was known to his family and friends as someone that could build or fix anything, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever asked.
The funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 1089 Stafford Street, Rochdale, MA on Thursday, December 12th, 2024. Visiting hours will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the church proper with a memorial service to directly follow at 11:00 a.m., Bishop Martin Field officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 1089 Stafford St. Rochdale, MA, 01542, or Second Chance Animal Services Adoption Center, 111 Young Road East Brookfield, MA, 01515 (secondchanceanimals.org).