Tom was born in Stockton, Missouri on August 19, 1938. He moved to the Yakima Valley at the age of 16. He graduated from Highland High School. He married his one and only love Betty Cochran in June in 1957. They were married for 62 years. Together, Tom and Betty have three children: Kevin, June and Brad.
Tom worked for 30+ years delivering groceries for multiple companies. Tom and Betty eventually were able to buy their own orchard and enjoyed farming apples and pears for 25 years in the Cowiche / Tieton area. While enjoying farming, Tom’s true happiness was spending time with his ever-growing family.
Tom and Betty were members of West Valley Church of the Nazarene for the past 40 years. They developed lifelong friends that shared a deep belief in our lord Jesus Christ. Their beliefs and friendship carried to the end and continues to strengthen Betty.
Tom is survived by his wife Betty, a son, Kevin Wickenhagen (Chris) and their daughters Savannah Fix (Kyle) and Monique Thoelke; a daughter, June DelaRosa (Rob) and their daughters Amanda Adams (Brian), Jessica Balzano (Greg), and Danielle Baughman (Justin); a son, Brad Wickenhagen (Becky) and their daughters Amy Kitter (Chris), Andrea Wickenhagen and Alyssa Wickenhagen (fiancé Kory Shroyer). Tom is also survived by six great grandchildren: Wyatt Fix, Ella Fix, Bennett Adams, Salvatore Balzano, Jax Baughman and Sawyer Kitter.
Tom’s legacy is one of love. Love for family, love for friends and love for every person who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will always be remembered for his loving hugs which embodied his true feelings for others.
Tom is preceded in death by his father, Rudy Wickenhagen, his mom, Pauline Wickenhagen, a brother, Glen Wickenhagen and an infant son, Stanley Wickenhagen.
A memorial service will be held at West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to West Valley Church of the Nazarene or Union Gospel Mission in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
