Helen Louise Wickman, age 102 of Woodbridge, VA passed away on September 12, 2017. Born in Bangor, MI, on May 27, 1915 to the late Jesse and Mabel Winne. On September 15, 1935, she married Maurice Van Horn with whom she had one son, Ronald. Sadly, Maurice died unexpectedly in 1956. On May 10, 1960, she married Air Force Colonel Vernon Wickman at Custer Air Force Station in Michigan.
After 11 years as an Air Force wife, she retired with her husband in July 1971 and lived at Corey Lake near Three Rivers, MI for 25 years. In 1995, they moved to Woodbridge, VA.
Helen was an accomplished musician on both piano and electric organ, and was a talented artist in three mediums; water color, oil and china painting. She enjoyed cross-country skiing, and was a pretty good golfer; with several trophies to show for it. She loved sail boating, and helped her husband win a few sailboat races, while crewing for him in various regattas in the Chesapeake Bay area.
For over 25 years, she performed volunteer duties as an American Red Cross volunteer in various hospitals; both civilian and military, both home and abroad.
She was an avid historian and cared deeply about historic preservation in the Three Rivers, MI area. As Regent of the Abiel Fellows Chapter, DAR, she led an effort to save the historic landmark. Many other structures and sites were added to the Michigan and National Registers of Historic Sites because of her research. She was a former president of the St. Joseph Historical Society and was selected as the 1985 Citizen of the Year by the Three Rivers Lions Club.
Her husband also selected her as Wife of the Year every year since they were married. She was dearly loved by all her knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband, Vernon Wickman (Col, USAF, Ret.). She is survived by her son Ronald Van Horn and his wife Margot of Montclair, VA. Grandchildren Jeff Van Horn of Richmond, VA; Jennifer Stearns and her husband Bill of Stafford, VA; Jason Van Horn and his wife Carol of Bristow, VA. Step Children Roberta Stevenson and her husband Robert of Ontario, NY; Scott Wickman of Webster, NY; and Douglas Wickman and his wife Karen of Santa Ana, CA. Also survived by her five great grandchildren, five step-grandchildren.
Private funeral services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. The family requests no flowers. Please make a contribution to a charity of your choice in memory of Helen.
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