Daryl R. Wickstrom

Daryl R. Wickstrom
Of Des Moines

Daryl Raymond Wickstrom, age 79, passed away peacefully under hospice care on Monday, January 6, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born January 30, 1940 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Oscar and Laura (Jorgensen) Wickstrom.

Daryl’s love of cooking and baking led him to his career as an executive chef at many country clubs through the years. Daryl won many awards for his expertise, a few were the Chaine Des Rotisseurs and the Chapter Chef of the Year.

Another of Daryl‘s loves was fishing, he would fish anytime anywhere. He and Judy made a date of it once a week, to fish on the pier in Gulfport where they shared their home. Speaking of fish stories, his other passion was telling jokes, he had a joke that fit every occasion and if he didn’t, he would make one up on the spot. He loved to bring joy to people and make people laugh. He also loved playing cards and going to the casinos. He did win big a few times. Daryl loved spending time with his family, he was a kind and loving husband father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

In 2010, Daryl reunited with his daughter Heather and her family. In April 2019, she found him too weak to be by himself and brought him to Des Moines to live here. There are many memories of his jokes, going through pictures and talking about his talented work with food, and the laughs around the table over the numerous hands of cards that he would always seem to win. The grandkids always said he cheated or changed the rules. He will be greatly missed as his heart was big enough for everyone!!

He is survived by his children, Heather Bekish, Brett (Kelsey) Wickstrom, Gina (Tom) Lenaghan, Kim Renchin, Lisa (Craig) Fraser, Kevin Fish, and Kim (Fred) Hagar, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Daryl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy Wickstrom, his parents and his siblings.

Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., with funeral service at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, followed by cremation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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