John L Wickstrom

John L. Wickstrom, age 87, of Hayden, passed away on February 2, 2026.

John was born in Georgia on June 6, 1938, to the late N.L. Wickstrom and America Viola Soles Wickstrom. From an early age, John showed an independent spirit and a strong work ethic. At just 14 years old, he left Georgia for Marco Island, Florida, where he worked on a fishing boat. This experience would shape the hardworking man he became.

While in Florida, John fell in love with the fishing boat captain’s daughter, Lillian Janet Wickstrom, whom he married at just 17 years old. They were married for 39 years before her passing in 1995. During these years, John worked in construction driving a concrete truck, and even drove a Trailways bus for a while. Eventually, he began his long career as a truck driver, a profession he would devote 58 years of his life to.

After the loss of his first wife, Janet, to cancer, John later found love again with Kathy Johnson Wickstrom. Together they made their home in Hayden, Alabama, where John went to work for Flavor Pic Tomato Company, dedicating many years of loyal service. Around this same time, John was rarely without another great love of his life, his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Dudley. Dudley later passed, and was cremated. It was John’s wish that they be laid to rest together.

John later mourned the loss of his second wife, Kathy, also to cancer. They were married for 14 years before her passing in 2011. A few years later, John retired from truck driving. Still, he remained active and continued working, first in security at the Alabama Farmers Market, then as market manager for five years. Even after retiring once more, John was not one for sitting still, and he returned to work hauling cars, staying on the road until just a few years before his passing.

In his later years, John found love once again with his companion of 13 years, Selva Armstrong. A devoted partner and caretaker, Selva brought comfort and companionship into his life, and their time together was a true blessing.

John’s life was marked by perseverance, loyalty, and deep love for his family. His love was steady, quiet, and constant, never loud or flashy. He was strong, funny, and stubborn in all the ways that made him who he was. In his 87 years, John lived a life most could only imagine. He knew hard work and sacrifice, as well as joy and love, but he also faced more pain and loss than most. He lost two wives and endured the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Still, through every season of life, he worked hard, loved deeply, and remained true to himself, leaving behind a legacy that lives on through the family he cherished.

He is survived by his daughters, Sherry Peloquin (Leo) and Carrie Hill (Ben); his grandchildren, Staci VanAllen (Bob), Aaron VanAllen (Sandy), Amy Wickstrom, Amber Wickstrom, and Cali Hill; his eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Kathy Barber (Freddy); and his companion, Selva Armstrong; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian Janet Wickstrom; wife, Kathy Johnson Wickstrom; his son, Jerry Wickstrom; and his brother, Kenny Wickstrom.

Cleveland Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wickstrom Family!