Mary Diane (Sathrum) Wickum
October 1, 1940 – July 14, 2025
Mary Diane Wickum, 84, of Kenyon, MN, passed away on July 14, 2025, after a prolonged illness related to an extended heart condition. She was supported and in the hearts of her loving family at the time of her death.
Mary was born on October 1, 1940, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Gilman P. Sathrum and Edna M. (Solberg) Sathrum. She graduated from Kenyon High School in 1958 and went on to build a life of love, dedication, and adventure. On February 16, 1963, she married David T. Wickum, at Gol Lutheran Church in Kenyon, Minnesota. Together, they raised their family in Kenyon, celebrating 62 years of marriage.
Mary was a homemaker and farm wife for 62 years, a role she cherished deeply. In addition to her work at home, she worked for 29 years at Kenyon Farm and Home and took on various local jobs to support her family. She was strong, resilient, and tirelessly devoted to her family and community. Her greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow, and she made every effort to be present for their activities, even in her later years when it became increasingly difficult.
Mary’s spirit was adventurous. She loved camping, snowmobiling, and riding alongside David on their trike or on their side-by-side, exploring the beautiful countryside. Later in life, she and David enjoyed traveling in their RV to places such as Florida and Arizona. At home, she had a passion for gardening, particularly flowers, and treasured time spent with her friends and high school classmates.
In 2022, Mary fought and beat cancer, showing the same strength she’d displayed throughout her life. She continued her battle with her heart condition, always focused on spending more time with her family, which meant the world to her.
Mary was a long-time member of Holden Lutheran Church, where she served on a variety of committees and women’s service groups, contributing her time and talents to the church community.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Gilman and Edna Sathrum; her sister, Carolyn Janousek; and brothers-in-laws, William Janousek, Richard Wickum, and Ruben Maisel.
She is survived by her beloved husband, David T. Wickum; their children, Scott P. Wickum of Wanamingo, MN, Jon (Marae) Wickum of Wilson, WI, Melissa (Jon) Huseth of Dennison, MN, and Jennifer Nerison of Zumbrota, MN; eight grandchildren, Shawn Wickum, Samantha (Andrew) Meyer, Shelby Wickum, Hailey (Theodore) Androli, Rachel Huseth, Luke Huseth, Laden Nerison, and Carmen Nerison; and four great-grandchildren, Luella, Lydia, and Lincoln Meyer, and Annie Androli. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Patricia Maisel and Diane Wickum, and brother-in-law, Dennis Wickum.
A service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at Holden Lutheran Church on Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m., with a reviewal beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served in the church basement following the service.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and support provided during Mary’s final months.
