David John Wick

A celebration of life for David Wick, age 85, of Albert Lea, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013, at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by members of the American Legion and VFW. Private interment at Six Mile Grove Church Cemetery, near Lyle, MN, will precede the service. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2013, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

David died at Thorne Crest Retirement Community in the health care wing, on Monday, October 14, 2013, surrounded by his family.  They admired how courageous he was as he battled Lewy Body Dementia.

David John Wick was born on December 10, 1927, in Stewart, MN, the son of Henry and Ida (Zeibarth) Wick. He earned his Eagle Scout award and was a Boy Scout Leader. After graduation from Stewart High School he served in the U.S. Navy. David began his insurance career in Austin, MN, which is where he met his wife, Jurene. They met at a dance at the Terp Ballroom in Austin.  David and Jurene were married on July 14, 1950, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.  A few years later they moved to Albert Lea.

David was a successful insurance agent, and was the owner and president of Wick Insurance Center. He was a tall, stately businessman who always wore a bowtie. He was smart, a leader and an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren. David had a very strong work ethic and worked tirelessly to better the Albert Lea area. He was active in his church and a member of many civic groups. He belonged to Toastmasters, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, and the Shrine Club. He was actively involved in the Fountain Lake Restoration Project. He was on the board of trustees for the Courage Center. David served as president of the Rotary Club and he was also recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was president of the board of trustees for Lea College. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award for Albert Lea in 2006.  He and Jurene loved to play bridge with friends, dance, and attend social events. He especially enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting with his Brittany Spaniels, Benji and Benji  II.

David had a zest for life, learning, and sharing. He was also a “people person” and cherished spending time with his family and friends. David will be dearly missed by all.

Survivors include his loving wife Jurene, of 63 years, five caring children: Ann (Richard) Hawkins of Lakeville, MN, Jane Morley, of Faribault, Sally (Scott) Immerfall of Marion, IA, Marti (Ron Simmons) Wick of Snohomish, WA, and Paul (Gwen) Wick of Prior Lake, MN. David has 13 wonderful grandchildren who loved his homemade pancakes and waffles: Elizabeth (Nate) , Richard III , Jordan (Holly),  Jill, William, Josh (Jess), Amy (Alex), Ryan, Nathan, Zachary, Lauren, Kelsey, and Caden; three great-grandchildren: Taylor, Dylan, and Rowyn.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gaylen (Phyllis) Lastine of Austin, and nieces, nephews and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

We would like to thank the Thorne Crest health care staff for the wonderful care they gave our Dad. We also thank the Mayo Health Systems Hospice for their support during the last months of his life.